Head Chef

Kendrick Recruitment; Sabie; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a luxury safari game reserve in the Sabi Sand, Mpumalanga. You will drive culinary standards, mentor a dedicated team and ensure flawless service in a remote lodge setting.

The role requires a passion for high-end dining, strong leadership, menu development, food hygiene and cost control, with the ability to adapt to guest dietary needs and busy service periods.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a luxury lodge/hotel or safari environment.
• Strong leadership and kitchen management skills.
• Passion for food, hospitality and delivering exceptional dining experiences.
• Excellent knowledge of food preparation, presentation and modern culinary techniques.
• Strong menu planning and recipe development abilities.
• Experience with stock control, ordering and kitchen cost management.
• Excellent understanding of food hygiene and health and safety requirements.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop a diverse kitchen team.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays and lodge-specific shifts.

Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for kitchen operation and culinary standards.
• Lead, mentor and manage the kitchen team for a professional and productive environment.
• Plan and prepare high-quality meals reflecting luxury safari standards.
• Oversee menu planning, food presentation and cost control.
• Manage stock, ordering and kitchen costs with close attention to hygiene and safety.
• Collaborate with lodge management to ensure seamless guest experiences.
• Be hands-on during busy service periods and cater to dietary requirements.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Senior Sous Chef experience

Leadership

Kitchen management

Food preparation

Menu planning

Stock control

Health and safety

Team development

Attention to detail

Flexibility

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

Head chef – luxury safari game reserve

Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to join a prestigious luxury safari game reserve situated in the Sabi Sand, Mpumalanga.

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented culinary professional who has a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences and is confident leading a kitchen team within a luxury lodge or safari environment.

The position

• Role: Head Chef
  
• Location: Sabi Sand, Mpumalanga
  
• Property: Luxury Safari Game Reserve
  
• Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience
  
• The successful candidate will take overall responsibility for the kitchen operation and culinary standards of the property.
  
• The Head Chef will lead, mentor and manage the kitchen team, ensuring a professional and productive working environment.
  
• The role will involve planning and preparing high-quality meals that reflect the standards and expectations of a luxury safari property.
  
• The successful candidate will be responsible for menu planning, food presentation and maintaining consistently high culinary standards.
  
• The Head Chef will oversee food preparation, stock management, ordering and cost control.
  
• The role will require close attention to food hygiene, health and safety standards.
  
• The successful candidate will work closely with the lodge management team to ensure a seamless and exceptional guest experience.
  
• The position will require flexibility and a hands‑on approach, particularly during busy service periods.
  
• The successful candidate should be comfortable catering to a range of dietary requirements and guest preferences.
  

Candidate requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a luxury lodge, hotel or safari environment.
  
• A relevant culinary qualification would be advantageous.
  
• Strong leadership and kitchen management skills.
  
• A genuine passion for food, hospitality and delivering exceptional dining experiences.
  
• Excellent knowledge of food preparation, presentation and modern culinary techniques.
  
• Strong menu planning and recipe development abilities.
  
• Experience with stock control, ordering and kitchen cost management.
  
• Excellent understanding of food hygiene and health and safety requirements.
  
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop a diverse kitchen team.
  
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
  
• Excellent attention to detail and consistently high standards.
  
• Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays and lodge‑specific shifts as required.
  
• Previous experience in a luxury safari or remote lodge environment will be highly advantageous.