Head Chef

Dream Hotels & Resorts; Middelburg; On-site; ZAR 250 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious hotel chain in Mpumalanga is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead their culinary team. You will be responsible for menu development, maintaining food quality standards, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring health and safety compliance. The ideal candidate will have over 3 years of experience in a similar role and a culinary science background. Join us to create innovative dishes and provide exceptional dining experiences for our guests.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years of experience running a kitchen as a head chef in a 3-star environment.
• Proven track record in kitchen management and food development experience.
• Strong understanding of team dynamics and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to keep up with cooking trends and best practices worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Create innovative and appealing menus that align with the culinary vision.
• Lead and manage the kitchen staff, including chefs and assistants.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, taste, and presentation.
• Manage food costs through efficient menu planning and inventory control.
• Train and develop kitchen staff to enhance their skills and performance.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations.
• Establish and maintain relationships with food suppliers.
• Introduce new dishes and culinary techniques.
• Collaborate with front-of-house staff for a seamless dining experience.
• Contribute to event planning and catering services.
• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and standards.
• Oversee kitchen inventory management.

Skills

Menu Development

Kitchen Management

Food Quality and Presentation

Cost Control

Staff Training and Development

Health and Safety Compliance

Supplier Relations

Creativity and Innovation

Customer Satisfaction

Event Planning and Catering

Inventory Management

Education

Culinary science or related certificate

Tools

Restaurant management software

POS systems

MS Office

Job description

Dream Hotels & Resorts lives by its 8 core values. Our team is dedicated to being reliable and accountable, fostering empathy to understand others' feelings and collaboratively find solutions, and prioritizing sustainability in environmental, financial, and social aspects. Rooted in humanity, trust, dynamism, excellence, and joy, we celebrate diversity, prioritize integrity, embrace creativity, pursue quality, and foster a joyful work environment to connect people with our surroundings and each other. These play a part in our day-to-day decision making & operational requirements.

Job Overview

As the Head Chef, you will hold a senior leadership position in the culinary team of our lodge. Your role will involve overseeing all aspects of food preparation, menu planning, maintaining a 34% costing, kitchen operations, FCS compliance and training, staff training, and culinary experiences for guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Menu Development: Create innovative and appealing menus that align with the culinary vision and concept of the establishment.
• Kitchen Management: Lead and manage the kitchen staff, including chefs, cooks, and kitchen assistants.
• Food Quality and Presentation: Maintain high standards of food quality, taste, and presentation.
• Cost Control: Manage food costs through efficient menu planning, inventory control, and waste reduction.
• Staff Training and Development: Train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff to enhance their skills and performance.
• Health and Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with all health and safety regulations and standards.
• Supplier Relations: Establish and maintain relationships with food suppliers and vendors to ensure high-quality ingredients and supplies.
• Creativity and Innovation: Bring creativity and innovation to the kitchen, introducing new dishes and culinary techniques.
• Customer Satisfaction: Collaborate with the front-of-house staff to ensure a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for guests.
• Event Planning and Catering: Contribute to the planning and execution of special events, private functions, and catering services.
• Adherence to Regulations: Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, licensing requirements, and other relevant industry standards, including training.
• Inventory Management: Oversee the management of kitchen inventory, including ordering, receiving, and storage of food supplies.

Experience

• A minimum of 3 years of experience running a kitchen as a head chef in a 3-star environment.
• Proven track record in kitchen management and food development experience.
• Strong understanding of team dynamics and customer satisfaction.
• Working knowledge of various computer software programmes, such as MS Office, restaurant management software, and POS systems.
• Culinary science or related certificate.
• Ability to keep up with cooking trends and best practices worldwide.