Head Chef

JVR Software; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay, Cape Town is seeking a seasoned Head Chef to lead daily kitchen operations across breakfast, bistro and events catering.

You will drive menu development, maintain high quality and presentation, manage costs and stock, and mentor kitchen teams to deliver consistent, guest‑facing service. This is a hands‑on leadership role requiring hotel kitchen experience and strong communication under pressure.

Qualifications

• Matric and a recognised culinary qualification.
• Minimum 2 years in a Head Chef or senior role with hotel kitchen experience.
• Proven breakfast service experience (buffet and à la carte).
• Strong cost control, stock management and labour planning skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations across all outlets.
• Lead kitchen teams, rosters and performance reviews.
• Develop menus and manage costings and plating guides.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene and SOP compliance.
• Collaborate with F&B teams and support services.

Skills

Leadership

Food Costing

Menu Development

Staff Management

Food Safety

Communication

Time Management

Education

Matric and a relevant culinary qualification

Job description

This role forms part of the Food and Beverage team at The Bay Hotel, based in Camps Bay, Cape Town.

Head Chef

As Head Chef, you’ll oversee the daily kitchen operations at The Bay Hotel, covering hotel breakfasts, bistro-style dining, poolside food, an in-house bakery and conferencing and events catering.

We’re looking for an experienced, hands‑on chef with a strong hotel background who takes pride in fresh, well‑presented food, consistent standards and efficient service.

You’ll lead the kitchen teams, oversee food quality and menu development and manage food costs, stock and staffing. Working closely with the Food and Beverage team and Group Support Services, you’ll ensure smooth operations across all dining outlets, including busy peak periods.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee food production across breakfast, bistro, poolside dining, bakery, conferencing and events
• Maintain high breakfast standards, including buffet and la carte service
• Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, portion control and service times
• Oversee bakery production, maintaining freshness and quality standards
• Develop menus with the Food and Beverage Custodian, maintaining approved recipes, costings and plating guides
• Lead, train and manage kitchen teams, including rosters, performance reviews and staff administration
• Work closely with front‑of‑house teams to coordinate service and address guest feedback
• Manage food costs, gross profit targets, stock, wastage and labour expenditure
• Oversee purchasing, stock takes and supplier quality in line with Group procedures
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, allergen management and kitchen SOP compliance
• Ensure kitchen equipment, storage areas and workspaces are properly maintained
• Support wider hotel operations, including Duty Manager shifts when required

What We’re Looking For

• Matric and a relevant culinary qualification
• Minimum 2 years’ experience as a Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine or Senior Sous Chef, with hotel kitchen experience essential
• Strong hotel breakfast experience, including buffet and la carte service
• Sound knowledge of bistro‑style cooking and bakery operations
• Experience managing kitchen teams and multiple food service requirements
• Strong food costing, stock control, purchasing and labour management skills
• Good knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards
• Organised, hands‑on and able to maintain standards under pressure
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Willingness to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays

What We Offer

• A kitchen leadership position at The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay
• Input into menu development within an established culinary concept
• Support from Village n Life Group Support Services
• Career development opportunities within the Village n Life hospitality group

Location: Camps Bay, Cape Town
Job Category: Food & Beverage
Employment Type: Full-time
Level: Management
Property: The Bay Hotel

If you have not heard from us within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. We appreciate your interest and thank you for taking the time to apply.