Head Chef

Kendrick Recruitment; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 254,000 - 304,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head Chef for a luxury hotel in Midrand, Gauteng. You will lead the kitchen, uphold exceptional culinary standards and drive a premier dining experience for guests.

The role requires strong leadership, advanced culinary techniques, cost control and creative menu development, with the ability to manage busy service periods and maintain a spotless, compliant kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Head Chef or senior kitchen management position.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of food preparation, culinary techniques and kitchen operations.
• Creative approach to menu development and presentation.
• Understanding of food costing, stock control and kitchen budgets.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Culinary expertise

Menu development

Food costing

Organizational skills

Communication

Calm under pressure

Education

Culinary qualifications

Job description

Head Chef | Luxury Hotel | Midrand

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

• Salary: R25,000 per month, negotiable depending on experience.
• Location: Midrand, Gauteng
• 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.