Head Chef

NukaKamma Hospitality School; Gqeberha; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality school near Addo National Park is seeking a talented Head Chef to manage kitchen operations and mentor culinary students. The ideal candidate will have a culinary qualification and extensive experience in high-end kitchens. This role offers the opportunity to create refined cuisine while maintaining hygiene and team cohesion.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 to 5 years experience in high-end kitchens.
• Knowledge of HACCP standards and managing a small team.
• Experience in lodges or boutique hotels is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage kitchen operations and supervise a team of 5 staff.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP hygiene standards.
• Mentor students in kitchen operations and culinary techniques.

Skills

Organisational Skills

Team Leadership

Creativity

Passion for Culinary Arts

Education

Culinary Qualification

Job description

Position Overview

As part of its development, our lodge located near Addo National Park is looking for a talented and disciplined Head Chef to take full responsibility for managing the kitchen, serving up to 50 guests per service.

The Head Chef is responsible for the quality of the cuisine, hygiene standards, and the smooth operation of the kitchen team. They should be able to offer refined cuisine inspired by local products and aligned with the expectations of an international clientele.

Responsibilities

• Culinary Production
• Prepare dishes according to the provided recipes and technical sheets
• Ensure mise en place, plating, and service with precision and consistency
• Maintain high standards of presentation and taste

Organisation and Team Management

• Organise and supervise the kitchen team (5 staff members)
• Monitor task execution in accordance with recipes and procedUres
• Train and support team members as needed

Hygiene & Food Safety

• Enforce compliance with HACCP hygiene standards
• Supervise daily cleaning of workstations, equipment, and kitchen premises
• Maintain clean and orderly work areas at all times

Stock Management

• Manage food products and ingredients: monitor expiration dates, storage, and stock rotation
• Organise storage areas (cold rooms, dry stores) in compliance with standards
• Participate in ordering and inventory processes

Communication and Reporting

• Report any issues to management (discipline, hygiene, equipment problems)
• Collaborate with management to improve procedures and overall quality

Training & Education

• Actively participate in the Nukakamma Hospitality School by mentoring and teaching students in kitchen operations and culinary techniques
• Share knowledge and promote professional development among aspiring hospitality professionals from local communities

Candidate Profile

• Culinary qualification required
• Proven experience in high-end kitchen environments (minimum 3 to 5 years)
• Strong organisational skills, discipline, and natural leadership
• Creativity, respect for ingredients, and a genuine passion for the culinary arts
• Knowledge of HACCP standards and experience managing a small team
• Previous experience in lodges or boutique hotels is a plus

To Apply

• Please send your CV, references, and photos of your culinary creations to the following email address: [e-mail]