Head Chef

Kendrick Recruitment; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 77,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking a talented Head Chef for a luxury wine farm in Stellenbosch. You will lead a high-performing kitchen, drive creativity, and deliver an exceptional dining experience in a refined hospitality setting.

The role requires overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, hygiene, and cost control while inspiring the team to achieve consistency and guest satisfaction. This live-out position offers an opportunity to impact menus, train staff, and maintain high

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in kitchen operations with proven leadership experience.
• Degree or diploma in Culinary Arts is advantageous.
• Strong leadership with a hands-on management approach.
• Creative and innovative mindset with a passion for food excellence.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations, ensuring excellence in food quality and presentation.
• Drive performance and profitability by minimising waste and maximising efficiency.
• Ensure effective food production and service to enhance guest satisfaction and revenue.
• Maintain stock control, inventory management, and secure storage practices.
• Monitor and manage food costs in line with budget expectations.
• Assist in preparing and managing operational and capital expenditure budgets.
• Implement control measures to mitigate financial and operational risks.
• Ensure compliance with hygiene, safety, and operational standards.
• Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen team to achieve high performance and consistency.
• Conduct performance appraisals and identify training and development needs.
• Oversee kitchen cleanliness, maintenance, and adherence to cleaning schedules.
• Manage stock takes and ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Handle guest dietary requirements and special requests with attention to detail.
• Review guest feedback and implement improvements where necessary.
• Work closely with maintenance teams to ensure optimal kitchen functionality.
• Manage disciplinary processes in line with company policies.
• Foster strong working relationships within the team and across departments.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Cost control

Menu development

Hygiene standards

Food presentation

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Full time | Kendrick Recruitment | South Africa

Posted On 2026/11/03

Job Information

Head / Executive Chef

DOE

City Stellenbosch

State/Province Western Cape

7600

Job Description

Head Chef | Luxury Wine Farm | Stellenbosch

Live-out Position

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef for a luxury wine farm based in Stellenbosch. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate culinary professional to lead a high-performing kitchen team, drive creativity, and deliver an exceptional dining experience in a refined hospitality environment.

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of the hotel kitchen, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, hygiene, and operational efficiency while maintaining strong financial control and team leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations, ensuring excellence in food quality and presentation
  
• Drive performance and profitability by minimising waste and maximising efficiency
  
• Ensure effective food production and service to enhance guest satisfaction and revenue
  
• Maintain stock control, inventory management, and secure storage practices
  
• Monitor and manage food costs in line with budget expectations
  
• Assist in preparing and managing operational and capital expenditure budgets
  
• Implement control measures to mitigate financial and operational risks
  
• Ensure compliance with hygiene, safety, and operational standards
  
• Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen team to achieve high performance and consistency
  
• Conduct performance appraisals and identify training and development needs
  
• Oversee kitchen cleanliness, maintenance, and adherence to cleaning schedules
  
• Manage stock takes and ensure accuracy and efficiency
  
• Handle guest dietary requirements and special requests with attention to detail
  
• Review guest feedback and implement improvements where necessary
  
• Work closely with maintenance teams to ensure optimal kitchen functionality
  
• Manage disciplinary processes in line with company policies
  
• Foster strong working relationships within the team and across departments
  

Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in kitchen operations, with proven leadership experience
  
• Degree or diploma in Culinary Arts is advantageous
  
• Strong leadership skills with a hands‑on management approach
  
• Creative and innovative mindset with a passion for food excellence
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment
  
• Strong financial acumen and cost control experience
  
• Highly organised with strong administrative capabilities
  
• Solid product knowledge and time management skills
  
• Environmentally conscious with a willingness to learn and improve
  
• Positive, energetic, and service-driven attitude
  

This role is ideal for a driven Head Chef looking to make a meaningful impact within a prestigious wine farm setting.