Head Chef – 5-Star Boutique Hotel & Spa – Plettenberg Bay | Sl

JVR Software; Plettenberg Bay; On-site; ZAR 335,000 - 446,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs in Western Cape is seeking a Head Chef for a 5-star boutique hotel & spa in Plettenberg Bay. The role leads the full kitchen operation, develops seasonal menus and builds a kitchen culture reflective of the property's warmth and standards. Immediate start; live-out position.

Minimum requirements include formal culinary qualification, 3+ years as Head Chef or senior Sous in luxury settings, strong leadership, cost control and food safety knowledge, with hands-on kitchen presence.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary qualification from a recognised institution – essential
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a Head Chef or senior Sous Chef role within luxury or boutique hospitality – essential
• Proven ability to create and execute high-quality seasonal, locally inspired menus
• Strong kitchen leadership and team management experience
• Solid financial acumen including food cost control, stock management and supplier relationships
• Experience with menu costing and contributing to pricing strategy
• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene and health compliance

Responsibilities

• Culinary Leadership: Develop and execute seasonal, locally inspired menus aligned to the property’s food philosophy.
• Team Leadership: Lead; mentor and develop the full kitchen team; manage staffing and scheduling.
• Kitchen Operations: Oversee day-to-day kitchen operation and ensure hygiene and quality control.
• Financial & Commercial Management: Manage food costs, margins and wastage; oversee stock control and procurement.
• Guest Experience & Sustainability: Ensure dining reflects property standards and drive sustainable sourcing practices.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Menu costing

Food safety & hygiene

Stock management

Communication

Sustainability sourcing

People management

TallOrder experience

Education

Culinary qualification

Tools

TallOrder

Job description

Employer HotelJobs Location Western Cape Job type Other IT/Computer Salary Not specified Posted 1 Nov 2026

Head Chef – 5-Star Boutique Hotel & Spa – Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape ? Urgent Vacancy Kendrick Recruitment is searching for a talented, thoughtful and hands-on Head Chef for a celebrated 5-star boutique hotel and spa in the heart of Plettenberg Bay, forming part of a respected South African boutique hospitality group with a portfolio of distinctive properties. The culinary philosophy here is beautifully straightforward: Simple. Honest. Delicious. This is a role for a chef who can balance creativity with structure, excellence with efficiency and high standards with a grounded, people-focused approach. You will lead the full kitchen operation, develop seasonal locally inspired menus and build a kitchen culture that reflects the warmth and character of the property. Please note: Plettenberg Bay or Garden Route based candidates are strongly preferred. This is a live-out position. Start date is immediate.

Minimum Requirements:

• Formal culinary qualification from a recognised institution – essential
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a Head Chef or senior Sous Chef role within luxury or boutique hospitality – essential
• Proven ability to create and execute high-quality seasonal, locally inspired menus
• Strong kitchen leadership and team management experience
• Solid financial acumen including food cost control, stock management and supplier relationships
• Experience with menu costing and contributing to pricing strategy
• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene and health compliance
• Hands-on; visible and operationally present in the kitchen
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Computer literate – TallOrder experience advantageous
• Passionate about sustainable sourcing and building relationships with local suppliers
• Warm; grounded, confident and collaborative – without ego
• Stable work history with contactable references and a strong food portfolio

Key Responsibilities:

• Culinary Leadership: Develop and execute seasonal, locally inspired menus aligned to the property’s food philosophy. Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, presentation and consistency across all meal periods. Continuously evolve the culinary offering through innovation and food trend awareness. Work collaboratively with the Group Food Ambassador and management team on brand alignment.
• Team Leadership: Lead; mentor and develop the full kitchen team. Build a strong, respectful and high-performing kitchen culture. Support recruitment, training and performance management. Manage staffing levels and scheduling in line with operational requirements.
• Kitchen Operations: Lead the full day-to-day kitchen operation ensuring smooth, efficient service delivery. Oversee preparation, service, hygiene and quality control across all service periods. Implement and maintain effective kitchen systems and workflows. Maintain strict adherence to food safety and health regulations.
• Financial & Commercial Management: Manage food costs, margins and wastage in line with budget and profitability targets. Oversee stock control, procurement and supplier relationships. Ensure accurate menu costing and contribute to pricing strategies. Identify opportunities to enhance revenue through culinary experiences and special events.
• Guest Experience & Sustainability: Ensure every dining experience reflects the character and standards of the property. Collaborate with FOH teams for seamless service delivery. Contribute to special events, activations and bespoke guest experiences. Build relationships with local suppliers and drive sustainable sourcing practices.

Package:

Gross Salary: R30,000 to R40,000 per month (DOE) Live-out position – Plettenberg Bay Start date: Immediate/ASAP

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