Executive Chef – Luxury Retreat & Spa | Menu Innovator

Kendrick Recruitment; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Generous vacation and sick leave

Professional development and culinary

Fully remote work arrangement

Development budget for culinary explor

Employee discounts at our group estabs

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment seeks an Executive Chef to assume the role of Remote Culinary Director, overseeing culinary programs across multiple dining venues from a fully remote setup.

You will lead remotely, develop menus, ensure quality, manage costs, and drive culinary innovation while upholding HACCP and safety standards across all operations.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional certification.
• 10+ years of progressive culinary experience with at least 5 years as an Executive Chef or senior leader.
• Experience leading culinary teams remotely and managing food costs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine menus, recipes, and culinary standards across venues.
• Lead and mentor kitchen teams remotely via effective communication.
• Oversee food preparation, presentation, and quality control.
• Manage food costs, inventory, and procurement to optimize profitability.
• Ensure food safety and sanitation regulations (HACCP).
• Conduct remote training sessions for kitchen staff.

Skills

Leadership

Remote leadership

Communication

Food safety

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Tools

Culinary software

Remote collaboration tools

Job description

Executive Chef - Remote Culinary Director

About the Role Our client, a prestigious hospitality brand, is seeking a visionary Executive Chef to take on the newly created role of Remote Culinary Director. This is a fully remote position where you will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and standardizing culinary programs across various dining establishments. You will lead a team of talented chefs and kitchen staff remotely, ensuring exceptional quality, creativity, and consistency in every dish. This role demands a blend of culinary artistry, strong leadership, and the ability to innovate from a distance. You will play a pivotal role in defining the culinary identity of our brand, setting new gastronomic trends, and ensuring an unparalleled dining experience for our guests. The ideal candidate is a seasoned culinary professional with a passion for food, a keen eye for detail, and a proven ability to manage diverse culinary operations in a remote capacity. You will have the autonomy to drive culinary excellence and shape the future of our food and beverage offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine menus, recipes, and culinary standards for all dining venues.
• Lead and mentor kitchen teams across multiple locations through effective remote communication and management.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, presentation, and quality control.
• Manage food costs, inventory, and procurement to optimize profitability.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations.
• Collaborate with beverage managers to create cohesive and appealing dining experiences.
• Stay abreast of culinary trends, ingredients, and techniques, introducing innovative concepts.
• Conduct remote culinary training sessions and workshops for kitchen staff.
• Evaluate and select new kitchen equipment and suppliers.
• Maintain a high level of creativity and passion for culinary arts, inspiring the team.

Requirements

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional certification from a recognized institution.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 5 years as an Executive Chef or in a similar senior culinary leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and leading culinary teams remotely.
• Proven ability to control food costs and maintain profitability without compromising quality.
• Extensive knowledge of international cuisines and modern gastronomic techniques.
• Exceptional palate, creativity, and attention to detail.
• Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation protocols (e.g., HACCP).
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in culinary software and remote collaboration tools.
• Must be passionate about food and dedicated to delivering outstanding culinary experiences.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Generous vacation and sick leave allowances.
• Professional development opportunities and culinary masterclasses.
• The flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote work arrangement.
• Access to a professional development budget for culinary exploration.
• Employee discounts at our group's establishments worldwide.
• Retirement savings plan.
• A dynamic and creative work environment.