Executive Chef - Vineyard Restaurant

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Wine and dining discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Executive Chef for a prestigious winery and restaurant complex in Paarl, Western Cape. The role oversees all kitchen operations, menu development, cost control, and presentation across multiple venues, including fine-dining and casual eateries.

You will lead a talented kitchen brigade, drive creativity, and ensure exceptional quality and profitability. The ideal candidate holds a formal culinary qualification, 7–10 years of progressive experience, and a proven track

Qualifications

• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive culinary experience.
• 4 years in an Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef role in a high-volume establishment.
• Formal culinary qualification from a reputable institution.
• Demonstrated expertise in fine dining cuisine with a creative approach.
• Experience in menu costing and kitchen budget management.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations and HACCP principles.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and multitask.
• Passion for high-quality ingredients, local produce and sustainable practices.
• Experience in the Western Cape SA culinary landscape is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation.
• Develop creative, seasonally inspired menus for fine-dining, casual eatery, and banqueting events.
• Oversee menu costing, ensure profitability, and manage food expenses effectively.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage the kitchen brigade, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Maintain hygiene, food safety, and sanitation standards in the kitchen.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and supplier relationships to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with the Sommelier and management on beverage pairings and promotions.
• Ensure consistency and quality across all outlets.
• Stay updated on culinary trends and innovations and integrate them where appropriate.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to kitchen staff.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food costing

HACCP

Food safety

Team management

Budget management

Quality presentation

Sustainability

Local sourcing

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious winery and restaurant complex nestled in the scenic Winelands of Paarl, Western Cape , is seeking an innovative and experienced Executive Chef . This senior culinary leadership position is responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, menu development, and maintaining the highest standards of food quality and presentation across multiple dining venues, including a fine-dining restaurant and casual eatery. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in classic culinary techniques, a flair for contemporary cuisine, and a passion for using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, particularly those from the surrounding region. You will lead a talented brigade of chefs and kitchen staff, driving creativity, efficiency, and profitability within the culinary department. This is an exceptional opportunity to make your mark in one of South Africa's most celebrated gastronomic destinations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation.
• Develop creative, seasonally inspired menus for the fine-dining restaurant, casual eatery, and banqueting events.
• Oversee menu costing, ensure profitability, and manage food expenses effectively.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage the kitchen brigade, fostering a positive and high-performance culture.
• Maintain impeccable standards of hygiene, food safety, and sanitation in the kitchen.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and supplier relationships to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with the Sommelier and management team on beverage pairings and promotions.
• Ensure consistency and quality in all dishes served across all outlets.
• Stay updated on culinary trends and innovations, integrating them into the menu where appropriate.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to kitchen staff.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 4 years in an Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef role in a high-volume, quality-focused establishment.
• Formal culinary qualification from a reputable institution.
• Demonstrated expertise in fine dining cuisine, with a creative and innovative approach.
• Proven experience in menu development, food costing, and kitchen budget management.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations and HACCP principles.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• A passion for high-quality ingredients, local produce, and sustainable culinary practices.
• Experience working within the South African culinary landscape, particularly the Western Cape , is a strong advantage.
• Impeccable attention to detail and presentation standards.

Benefits

This pivotal role offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits including medical aid and retirement fund contributions. Employees will enjoy opportunities for professional development, workshops, and exposure to international culinary trends. Significant discounts on wine and dining at the estate are provided. This is a chance to lead culinary excellence in a breathtaking setting in the Paarl region, working with a passionate team dedicated to creating unforgettable gastronomic experiences.