Head Chef

Red Ember Recruitment (PTY) Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in South Africa is seeking a passionate Head Chef for a prestigious client in Franschhoek. You will oversee the kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food preparation and innovative menu creation. Candidates should have experience in a 5-star environment, with strong leadership skills. The role offers a monthly salary range of R50,000 - R60,000, and is full-time. Responsibilities also include training staff and managing kitchen costs.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef in a 5-star hotel or fine dining environment.
• Excellent knowledge of food and beverage service standards.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver personalized culinary experiences for each guest.
• Maintain high culinary standards and reputation.
• Design menus for various dining experiences.

Skills

Culinary Experience

Food Handling

Restaurant Experience

Kitchen Management Experience

Food Preparation Experience

Cost Control

Leadership Experience

Education

Culinary qualification

Tools

MS Office

POS systems

Job description

Red Ember Recruitment on behalf of our client is seeking a passionate and skilled Head Chef to be based in Franschhoek.

As Head Chef you will oversee the entire kitchen operation ensuring high-quality food preparation innovative menu creation and exceptional service all while maintaining cost control hygiene and health and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a personalized culinary experience for each guest accommodating dietary requirements.
• Maintain high culinary standards and reputation.
• Collaborate with management and horticulturists on seasonal menus and special experiences.
• Design menus for picnics, braais, conferences and unique in-cottage dining experiences.
• Lead, train and develop a motivated and skilled kitchen team conducting regular performance reviews and staff meetings.
• Manage kitchen operations including scheduling, inventory, portion control, cost management and adherence to HACCP and local health regulations.
• Handle staffing matters in coordination with HR including recruitment, training and disciplinary processes.
• Maintain strong internal communication with other departments and provide operational feedback.

Requirements

• Proven experience as Head Chef in a 5-star hotel or fine dining environment.
• Excellent knowledge of food and beverage service standards, kitchen management and inventory control.
• Strong leadership, team management and communication skills.
• Proficient in MS Office and POS systems.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced high‑pressure environment.
• A relevant culinary qualification.

Key Skills

• Culinary Experience
• Food Handling
• Restaurant Experience
• Kitchen Management Experience
• Food Preparation Experience
• Kitchen Experience
• Food Industry
• Cooking
• Cost Control
• Baking
• Sanitation
• Leadership Experience

Employment Details

Employment Type: Full Time

Experience: years

Vacancy: 1

Monthly Salary: 50000 - 60000