Head Chef

HotelJobs; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead and support multiple lodge kitchens at a prestigious 5-Star Safari Lodge in the Eastern Cape. The role requires culinary excellence and strong leadership in a luxury hospitality setting.

You will rotate between kitchens to implement standards, menus and training, manage recruitment and rosters, and liaise with procurement to ensure quality and supply. Live-in Monday–Friday, excluding meals, with opportunities to mentor and develop

Qualifications

• Culinary diploma required.
• Valid driver’s license.
• 3–5 years’ luxury hotel, game reserve or high-end restaurant experience.
• Proven leadership across multiple kitchens and large brigades.
• Computer literate, including MS Office.
• Strong knowledge of dietary requirements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain exceptional food quality, presentation and hygiene standards.
• Rotate between kitchens to implement standards, menus, training and quality checks.
• Lead and develop kitchen teams and rosters.
• Assist during busy periods and staff shortages.
• Manage recruitment, performance and discipline.
• Coordinate with procurement on food orders, quality and suppliers.
• Resolve operational and staff issues efficiently.
• Attend management meetings and contribute to departmental development.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Physical fitness

Sensory awareness

Education

Culinary Diploma

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Head Chef – 5-Star Safari Lodge | Eastern Cape

A prestigious 5-star safari lodge in the Eastern Cape is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead and support multiple lodge kitchens.

Minimum Requirements:

• Culinary Diploma
• Valid Driver’s Licence
• 3–5 years’ experience in a similar role within a luxury game reserve, boutique hotel or luxury restaurant
• Proven leadership experience managing multiple kitchens and large brigades
• Computer literate, including MS Office
• Excellent understanding of special dietary requirements
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Physically fit with an excellent sense of taste and smell

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain exceptional food quality, presentation and hygiene standards
• Rotate between kitchens to implement standards, menus, training and quality checks
• Lead; develop and manage kitchen teams and rosters
• Assist during busy periods and staff shortages
• Manage recruitment, performance and discipline
• Liaise with procurement regarding food orders, quality and suppliers
• Resolve operational and staff-related issues efficiently
• Attend management meetings and contribute to departmental development

Work Cycle:

Monday–Friday Live-in: excluding meals

If you are an experienced luxury hospitality chef ready for your next leadership opportunity, we would love to hear from you.