Head Chef - 5* Hospitality Collection & Wine Estate - Franschhoek |Sl

Kendrick Recruitment; Franschhoek; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 750 000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury estate in Franschhoek is looking for a Head Chef to lead menu development and manage kitchen operations. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in fine-dining and a formal qualification in culinary arts. This live-out position offers a salary of R50,000 - R60,000 monthly, depending on experience, with opportunities for career growth in a prestigious hospitality environment.

Benefits

Career growth potential

Opportunity to shape culinary identity

Live-out role

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ experience as Head Chef or Senior-level Chef in fine-dining.
• Proven track record of menu innovation and managing kitchen teams.
• Comfortable with budgeting, forecasting, and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Lead menu development with a focus on creativity and quality.
• Manage full kitchen operation and oversee logistics.
• Ensure compliance with hygiene and quality control standards.

Skills

Menu development

Kitchen management

Cost control

Leadership

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Formal qualification in culinary arts

Job description

Overview

Urgent Vacancy: HEAD CHEF – Luxury Estate, Cape Winelands

Location: Franschhoek, Cape Winelands region (Live-out, candidates based in surrounding areas; own transport essential)
Property Type: High-end boutique hospitality collection & luxury wine estate
Salary: R50,000 - R60,000 per month (DOE)
Basis: Live-out position, must reside in the surrounding area and have reliable own transport

Key Responsibilities

• Lead menu development: define seasonal, locally inspired dishes with a strong focus on creativity, quality and presentation.
• Manage and oversee the full kitchen operation: production, plating, service coordination, and back-of-house logistics.
• Control food costs, waste, inventory, supplier relationships, procurement and budget management.
• Monitor kitchen hygiene: compliance with hygiene, health & safety, HACCP standards; ensure consistent and rigorous quality control.
• Lead, train, mentor and schedule kitchen staff; build best-in-class kitchen culture.
• Work closely with F&B, front-of-house and estate leadership to align culinary delivery with guest experience goals and brand values.
• Act as a culinary ambassador: represent the estate at events, support marketing initiatives, and contribute to the overall guest journey.
• Maintain hands-on involvement during service peaks; retain a strong presence in kitchen operations and oversight.

Requirements & Candidate Profile

• Minimum 5 years’ experience as Head Chef or Senior-level Chef in a fine-dining, 5* hospitality environment - essential
• Strong culinary credentials, formal qualification in culinary arts
• Proven track record of menu innovation, cost control, managing kitchen teams and delivering refined service in luxury settings.
• Excellent organisational, leadership and communication skills; ability to perform under pressure and remain hands-on.
• Solid financial acumen: comfortable with budgeting, forecasting, inventory management, KPI monitoring.
• Based within the Cape Winelands / surrounding area; live-out role with own transport essential.
• Passion for locally sourced, seasonal ingredients; strong presentation skills and attention to detail.
• Flexible to work varied hours including evenings, weekends and special functions.

Package & Benefits

• Salary: R50,000 - R60,000 per month, depending on experience.
• Live-out role; accommodation not provided.
• Own transport required.
• Opportunity to lead and shape the culinary identity of a luxury estate with top-tier guest expectations.
• Career growth potential within prestigious hospitality environment.

TO APPLY: Please submit your CV, a recent head-and-shoulders photograph, your food portfolio, contactable references, and a brief cover letter outlining your salary expectations and notice period.

Please Note: If you do not receive feedback within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.