Head Chef

Craven Cottage CC; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Job summary

Craven Cottage CC in Sandton, Gauteng invites a seasoned Head Chef to lead our kitchen team, develop menus, and ensure consistent quality and presentation. You will oversee recipe adherence, inventory, supplier relationships, and cost control while maintaining high hygiene standards.

You will recruit and mentor staff, schedule shifts, and foster a positive work environment. The ideal candidate holds a culinary diploma, has 3–5 years in a similar role, and demonstrates strong English

Qualifications

• Must have a culinary degree or diploma.
• 3–5 years of restaurant experience in a similar role.
• Demonstrates leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication.

Responsibilities

• Develop and adapt menus considering seasonal ingredients and customer preferences.
• Oversee kitchen operations, ensure recipe adherence, quality, and safety standards.
• Lead staff recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Control food, labour, and other kitchen costs; manage supplier relationships.
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and compliance with health regulations.
• Coordinate with management on menu pricing and profitability.
• Foster a positive, productive work environment for the kitchen team.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Attention to detail

Communication in English

Education

Culinary Degree or Diploma

Job description

Duties:

• Develop and adapt menus, considering seasonal ingredients, dietary restrictions, and customer preferences.
• Responsible for creating new dishes and incorporating them into the menu, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Collaborate with management to determine menu prices based on ingredient costs and market factors.
• Direct the preparation and cooking of food, ensuring adherence to recipes, standards, and safety guidelines.
• Inspect raw and cooked food items to guarantee the highest quality, taste, and presentation.
• Ensure the kitchen is clean, organized, and meets hygiene and safety standards.
• Responsible for recruiting, training, and managing kitchen staff, including chefs, cooks, and other kitchen personnel.
• Assign tasks, monitor performance, and ensure staff adhere to procedures.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment, motivating staff to achieve high standards.
• Track inventory levels, order ingredients and supplies, and ensure efficient use of resources.
• Work with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients, negotiate pricing, and maintain relationships.
• Manage kitchen costs, including food costs, labour costs and other expenses.
• Manage the flow of work in the kitchen, ensuring efficiency and smooth operation.
• Oversee equipment maintenance, ensuring it is in good working order.
• Work with restaurant managers and owners to align kitchen operations with the restaurant's goals.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, food safety standards, and other relevant regulations.
• Keep up with the latest culinary trends and techniques to enhance the menu and cooking methods.
• Responsible for resolving issues as they arise, ensuring the kitchen runs smoothly.

Requirements:

• Culinary Degree or Diploma
• Minimum of 3 - 5 years experiences in a similar capacity in a restaurant environment
• Displays leadership qualities
• Exemplifies excellent customer service and creates a positive atmosphere.
• Having an eye for detail and creativity to look at things differently will be a key to developing the F&B experience.
• Able to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication in English.