Head Chef

Kendrick Recruitment; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,050,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead a luxury hotel kitchen in Midrand, Gauteng. You will drive culinary excellence, mentor a high-performing team and ensure top-tier guest dining experiences.

Responsibilities include menu development, cost management and maintaining safety standards in a fast-paced environment. A culinary qualification and leadership background in luxury hospitality are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef or senior kitchen management in luxury hospitality.
• Excellent knowledge of food preparation, culinary techniques and kitchen operations.
• Strong cost control and stock management abilities.
• Calm under pressure with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen team and daily operations.
• Oversee food preparation, presentation and service across the property.
• Develop and maintain high culinary standards.
• Plan menus and contribute creative ideas to guest dining experience.
• Monitor food quality, portions, stock levels and wastage.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and health regulations.
• Manage kitchen costs and budgets to achieve targets.
• Train, mentor and develop junior and senior kitchen staff.
• Arrange kitchen rosters and staffing for daily operations.
• Collaborate with hotel management to ensure excellent guest service.
• Maintain a clean, organised and professional kitchen environment.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

Menu development

Cost control

Communication

Education

Culinary qualifications

Job description

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to join a prestigious luxury hotel in Midrand, Gauteng.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for leading the kitchen operation, maintaining exceptional culinary standards and ensuring a consistently high-quality dining experience for guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen team, ensuring smooth and efficient daily operations.
  
• Oversee food preparation, presentation and service across the property.
  
• Develop and maintain consistently high culinary standards.
  
• Plan menus and contribute creative ideas to enhance the guest dining experience.
  
• Monitor food quality, portion control, stock levels and wastage.
  
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene and health regulations.
  
• Manage kitchen costs and work towards achieving agreed food cost targets.
  
• Train, mentor and develop junior and senior kitchen team members.
  
• Manage kitchen rosters, staffing requirements and daily operational priorities.
  
• Work closely with the hotel management team to ensure excellent overall guest service.
  
• Maintain a clean, organised and professional kitchen environment.
  

Requirements

• Proven experience in a Head Chef or senior kitchen management position, ideally within a luxury hotel or high-end hospitality environment.
  
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
  
• Excellent knowledge of food preparation, culinary techniques and kitchen operations.
  
• A creative approach to menu development and presentation.
  
• Strong understanding of food costing, stock control and kitchen budgets.
  
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
  
• Ability to remain calm and effective in a high-pressure environment.
  
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
  
• Relevant culinary qualifications would be advantageous.
  

Package

• Property: Luxury Hotel
  

Kendrick Recruitment is looking for a professional who is passionate about culinary excellence and capable of leading a high-performing kitchen team within a luxury hospitality environment.