Head Chef

Kendrick Recruitment; Hoedspruit; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury lodge in Hoedspruit is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen team. This senior role involves overseeing daily operations, managing staff, and maintaining high culinary standards. The ideal candidate has 4–5 years of experience in a similar position within luxury hospitality, strong leadership skills, and a creative approach to menu development. The role offers a competitive salary and requires a valid driver's licence.

Benefits

Live-in accommodation

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4–5 years’ experience in a similar Head Chef role in luxury hospitality.
• Experience managing à la carte service for up to 165 guests.
• Valid driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily running of the kitchen with the Executive Chef.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene standards.
• Manage kitchen inventory and stock control.
• Ensure consistent quality and presentation of food.
• Handle guest feedback and resolve complaints.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

Job Description

Head Chef – Luxury Lodge – Hoedspruit

Salary: R29,100 (Live-in)

Kendrick Recruitment is recruiting for an experienced and dynamic Head Chef to join a prestigious luxury lodge in the Hoedspruit area. This is a senior kitchen leadership role suited to a hands‑on professional with strong operational, administrative, and mentoring skills, capable of delivering exceptional culinary standards across multiple dining environments.

Key Requirements

• Minimum of 4–5 years’ experience in a similar Head Chef role within a luxury lodge or high‑end hospitality environment
• Proven experience managing à la carte service for up to 165 guests, including buffet service and outdoor functions
• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills
• Creative approach to menu development and current food trends
• Calm, composed, and effective under pressure
• High level of attention to detail and refined presentation standards
• Ability to mentor, coach, and develop kitchen staff
• Valid driver’s licence

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily running of the kitchen in collaboration with the Executive Chef
• Maintain exceptional levels of cleanliness and hygiene within the kitchen
• Manage full kitchen inventory, stock control, and procurement in line with health and safety standards
• Oversee food preparation and ensure consistent quality and presentation
• Approve and conduct final checks on dishes before service to guests
• Supervise and discipline kitchen staff, including chefs and scullery team
• Manage dietary requirements and special guest requests
• Ensure all set‑up requirements for dining services and functions are completed on time
• Manage the kitchen pass, including expediting hot, cold, and pastry sections
• Oversee à la carte, buffet, and outdoor catering operations
• Handle guest feedback and resolve any kitchen‑related complaints professionally
• Manage rosters and staffing requirements
• Oversee scullery operations and kitchen cleaning programmes
• Ensure recipe consistency, product knowledge, and prep‑list execution
• Conduct purchasing, invoice capturing, stock takes, and daily and month‑end reporting
• Manage kitchen equipment maintenance and preventative repair programmes

Candidates who meet the above requirements are encouraged to submit their CV to Kendrick Recruitment to apply for this role.