Head Chef

Kendrick Recruitment; Midvaal Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 424,000 - 502,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a luxury private game reserve in the Kalahari, Northern Cape. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary professional to lead a kitchen team in a unique hospitality environment, delivering exceptional dining experiences that reflect the standards of a high-end safari destination.

Develop creative seasonal menus, manage stock and costs, train the team, and ensure the highest standards of hygiene and

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef or in a senior kitchen management role.
• Luxury lodge/safari or fine-dining experience preferred.
• Strong culinary skills and menu development experience.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities to train and manage a kitchen team.
• Sound knowledge of stock control, food costing and budgeting.
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Willingness to work in a remote lodge environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations ensuring top quality, presentation and consistency.
• Develop creative seasonal menus catering to guests’ preferences and dietary requirements.
• Lead, train and motivate kitchen staff to maintain high culinary standards.
• Ensure efficient food preparation, service and kitchen operations.
• Manage stock control, food costs, ordering and supplier relationships.
• Maintain strict hygiene, health and safety standards.
• Monitor portion control and minimise wastage to control costs.
• Collaborate with lodge management and front-of-house for seamless guest experiences.
• Cater for breakfast, lunch, dinner and special guest occasions.
• Maintain a clean, organised and professional kitchen environment.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food presentation

Kitchen operations

Budgeting

Stock control

Team training

Job description

Full time | Kendrick Recruitment | South Africa

Posted On 2026/10/14

Job Information

Head / Executive Chef

R38,000 - R45,000

City Modderfontein

State/Province Northern Cape

1609

Job Description

Head Chef – Luxury Private Game Reserve

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced and talented Head Chef to join an exclusive luxury private game reserve in the Kalahari, Northern Cape. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary professional to lead a kitchen team in a unique hospitality environment, delivering exceptional dining experiences that reflect the standards of a high-end safari destination.

Key responsibilities:

Oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation and consistency.

Develop creative and seasonal menus that cater to guests’ preferences and dietary requirements.

Lead, train and motivate the kitchen team to maintain excellent culinary standards.

Ensure food preparation, service and kitchen operations run efficiently.

Manage stock control, food costs, ordering and supplier relationships.

Maintain strict food hygiene, health and safety standards throughout the kitchen.

Monitor portion control, minimise wastage and ensure effective cost management.

Work closely with lodge management and front-of-house teams to deliver seamless guest experiences.

Cater for a variety of dining experiences, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and special guest occasions.

Maintain a clean, organised and professional kitchen environment at all times.

Requirements:

Proven experience as a Head Chef or in a senior kitchen management role.

Previous experience in a luxury lodge, safari reserve, boutique hotel or fine-dining environment would be advantageous.

Strong culinary skills, menu development experience and excellent food presentation.

Demonstrated leadership abilities with the capacity to train and manage a kitchen team.

Sound knowledge of stock control, food costing, budgeting and kitchen administration.

Excellent organisational skills and the ability to perform under pressure.

A passion for delivering exceptional food and memorable guest experiences.

Flexibility to work in a remote lodge environment and accommodate operational requirements.

Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience.