Executive/Head Chef

HotelJobs; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live in accommodation

Meals provided

Job summary

HotelJobs in Mpumalanga seeks an experienced Executive/Head Chef to lead a culinary team in a luxury lodge. You will craft South African-inspired fine dining experiences, manage menus, and drive cost control while upholding world‑class standards in a 5‑star environment.

The role requires strong leadership, admin skills, and a passion for excellence. Live-in accommodation and meals are provided, with ASAP start.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years high end Head Chef experience in a 4/5-star environment.
• Food Hygiene and professional cooking qualifications.
• Strong knowledge of South African inspired fine dining and food/wine trends.
• Knowledgeable of dietary and religious requirements.
• Create and maintain training manuals and SOPs.
• In‑depth knowledge of stock procedures, budgeting and departmental administration.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Roster planning, ordering and cost control.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Menu development aligned with lodge standards.
• Systemize kitchen operations and wastage reduction.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene legislation and impeccable standards.
• Manage budgets and profitability with cost-control measures.
• Maintain communication between Kitchen, Management and Front of House.
• Strong Food Portfolio with your application.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the culinary team to deliver five‑star dining experiences.
• Develop and implement menus reflecting South African-inspired fine dining.
• Maintain world‑class standards and lodge consistency across all outlets.
• Oversee budgeting, stock control and cost management.
• Coordinate with Front of House and Management for seamless service.
• Mentor and train staff; create rostering and SOPs.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and hygiene regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Staff management

Menu development

Cost control

Training & mentoring

Communication

Food safety

Time management

Education

Professional cooking qualification

Food hygiene certification

Tools

Costing/stock spreadsheets

Job description

Introduction

A prestigious luxury lodge in the Sabi Sand, Mpumalanga is seeking an experienced Executive/Head Chef to lead its culinary team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a passionate hospitality professional to showcase their expertise in fine dining, South African inspired cuisine, and innovative food and wine trends. The role requires strong leadership, administrative skills, and a commitment to maintaining world‑class standards in a 5‑star environment.

Job Requirements & Responsibilities

• Minimum of 3–5 years previous high end Head Chef experience in a 4/5‑star environment (Essential)
• Food Hygiene and professional cooking qualifications (Essential)
• Strong knowledge of food and wine trends, including South African inspired fine dining
• Knowledgeable of all dietary and religious requirements
• Proven ability to create, implement, and maintain control documents and training manuals
• In‑depth knowledge of stock procedures, planning, budgeting, and departmental administration
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and manage staff effectively
• Excellent administrative skills including rostering, ordering, and cost control
• Valid Driver’s License required
• Menu compilation and implementation aligned with lodge standards
• Systemize and streamline kitchen operations – ordering, preparation, presentation, hygiene, and wastage reduction
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene legislation and maintain impeccable standards
• Manage budgets, monitor profitability, and implement cost‑control measures
• Maintain constant communication between Kitchen, Management, and Front of House teams
• Strong Food Portfolio with your application

Package

• Market related salary negotiable and DOE
• Live in accommodation
• Meals provided

Start Date: ASAP