Head Chef

Craven Cottage CC; Plettenberg Bay; On-site; ZAR 279,000 - 390,600; Full time

Job summary

A local restaurant located in Plettenberg Bay seeks a Head Chef to lead kitchen operations and develop innovative menus. The ideal candidate should have a relevant culinary qualification and at least three years of experience in a busy a la carte restaurant. Responsibilities include managing kitchen staff, ensuring food safety standards, and crafting creative menus while controlling costs effectively. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to special events and maintain high culinary standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Head Chef in a la carte restaurant.
• Strong understanding of high volume kitchen operations.
• Proven leadership and management capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the kitchen team to meet standards.
• Develop innovative menus aligned with restaurant ethos.
• Ensure hygiene and food safety compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Cost control

Menu development

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Relevant culinary qualification

Job description

Duties

Kitchen Leadership & Operations

• Lead, train and motivate the kitchen team to meet and exceed food preparation and presentation standards
• Direct daily kitchen operations to ensure smooth, efficient service
• Ensure clear communication within the kitchen, management and front of house
• Ensure stores are correctly managed, secured and maintained

Menu Development & Quality Control

• Develop creative, innovative menus aligned with the restaurant's positioning and ethos
• Ensure all recipes can be consistently executed by the kitchen team
• Maintain high standards of presentation, flavour and portion control
• Handle culinary‑related guest feedback and complaints professionally
• Hero craft brewery in menu development and food pairings
• Work with our gardeners in making full use of the organic kitchen garden and the production of excess garden produce for our onsite shop

Hygiene, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure strict adherence to hygiene, food safety and kitchen protocols
• Maintain a safe, clean and well‑organised kitchen environment at all times
• Ensure food labelling, storage and waste management procedures are followed

Stock, Cost & Financial Control

• Place orders timeously to avoid stock shortages or unnecessary wastage
• Source quality suppliers while monitoring pricing and product consistency
• Control food costs within set parameters
• Manage staffing levels in line with operational needs and budgets

People Management & HR Responsibilities

• Ensure correct recruitment procedures are followed for kitchen staff
• Provide ongoing on‑the‑job training, coaching and development
• Conduct probation reviews and performance discussions timeously
• Apply fair, consistent and equitable discipline
• Ensure kitchen dress code and grooming standards are maintained
• Manage staff files and submit HR documentation within deadlines

Special Events, Weddings & Outside Catering

• Assist management in the timely creation, costing and execution of special event and wedding menus
• Maintain high standards of presentation, flavour and service in the delivery thereof
• Limit unnecessary wastage and maintain strict cost controls on all special events
• Lead, train and motivate the kitchen team in the fulfilment of required preparation and execution of special event requirements

Requirements

• Relevant culinary qualification
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Head Chef within an a la carte restaurant environment
• Strong understanding of high volume, a la carte kitchen operations and service delivery
• Proven leadership and people management capability
• Sound commercial awareness with strong cost control skills
• High standards of hygiene, organisation and attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure, as a team and lead by example