Head Chef

Pan Collection; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

An upmarket restaurant in the heart of Cape Town seeks a well-rounded Head Chef to lead their kitchen team. The ideal candidate will have 2–4 years of experience in a similar role, demonstrating strong leadership and organizational skills. Responsibilities include managing daily kitchen operations, ensuring high culinary standards, and training staff. The position requires flexibility with shifts and the ability to maintain a safe and hygienic work environment. Immediate start date required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2–4 years in a Head Chef or similar leadership role.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.
• Willingness to work day shifts, night shifts, and double shifts.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership across all kitchen departments.
• Ensure smooth coordination between Back of House and Front of House teams.
• Manage, train, and support all kitchen sections.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational abilities

Job description

Head Chef, Location: Cape Town City Centre, Western Cape, Position Type: Full-time, Permanent, Start Date: Immediate. We are seeking a well-rounded, experienced Head Chef to join an upmarket restaurant located in the heart of Cape Town City Centre. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and organizational skills, a passion for excellence, and the ability to manage and inspire a diverse kitchen team.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership across all kitchen departments.
• Ensure smooth coordination and communication between Back of House and Front of House teams.
• Delegate and supervise daily food preparation and kitchen duties, maintaining the highest standards of quality and consistency.
• Manage, train, and support all kitchen sections — Hot, Cold, and Pastry.
• Coordinate daily tasks and operations with the Sous Chef and other senior kitchen staff.
• Estimate daily production needs, monitor the quality of raw and cooked food, and uphold all culinary standards.
• Develop and test new recipes and menu ideas aligned with the restaurant's style and brand.
• Ensure that food presentation and production consistently meet the restaurant's standards.
• Maintain optimal food cost, quality, and guest satisfaction levels.
• Oversee stock ordering, par levels, monthly stock takes, and inventory input.
• Adhere to and enforce all food preparation, receiving, storage, and sanitation policies.
• Update recipe cards, manage costings, and ensure menu accuracy.
• Monitor proper preservation, storage, and temperature control of all food items.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is properly operated, maintained, and reported if faulty.
• Promote and maintain a safe, hygienic, and positive work environment.
• Lead by example in cleanliness, hygiene, and professionalism both on and off duty.
• Conduct regular staff training sessions to encourage growth, motivation, and cost efficiency.
• Liaise daily with the Executive Chef and Restaurant Managers regarding requirements, functions, and last-minute changes.
• Conduct periodic quality checks, expiry checks, and ensure FIFO stock rotation.
• Provide daily feedback and report issues promptly to management.
• Maintain compliance with all restaurant service and quality control standards.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by management.

Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 2–4 years in a Head Chef or similar leadership role.
• Skills: Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational abilities.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work day shifts, night shifts, and double shifts when required.
• Transport: Own transport and a valid driver's license preferred.
• Location: Cape Town, Western Cape (relocation required before start date if not local).