Head Chef - Boutique Hotel

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Upscale working environment

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, seeks a Head Chef to lead the culinary team and craft exceptional dining experiences for hotel guests and visitors. You will oversee food preparation, kitchen operations, and menu development, ensuring top quality and service across restaurant, room service and banqueting.

The role requires 6+ years of culinary experience with at least 3 in a Head Chef position, strong leadership, creativity, and a solid grasp of HACCP standards.

Qualifications

• 6+ years progressive culinary experience; 3+ years in Head Chef or Exec Sous Chef role.
• Proven ability to lead a kitchen team.
• Creativity in menu development and diverse culinary techniques.
• Expertise in inventory management, cost control and budget administration.
• Knowledge of HACCP and food safety standards.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• A professional culinary qualification from a recognized institution is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations for the hotel's restaurant, room service, and banqueting.
• Develop creative, seasonally driven menus reflecting the brand and appealing to a diverse clientele.
• Lead, mentor and train the kitchen brigade to maintain high performance.
• Manage inventory, procurement and supplier relationships for quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Maintain impeccable food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards.
• Control food costs and budgets, minimize waste.
• Collaborate with management and events team for functions and special events.
• Ensure consistency in dish quality and presentation across offerings.
• Stay updated on industry trends and innovate to enhance dining experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Inventory & cost control

Communication

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a luxurious boutique hotel nestled in Mahikeng, North West , is seeking an innovative and experienced Head Chef to lead its culinary team and operations. This is a prime opportunity for a passionate chef to curate exceptional dining experiences for hotel guests and external visitors alike. The Head Chef will be responsible for conceptualizing menus that highlight local ingredients and international flair, managing kitchen staff, controlling inventory and costs, and upholding the highest standards of food quality and hygiene. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, creativity, and a commitment to culinary excellence. This role is central to the hotel's reputation and guest satisfaction in the Mahikeng region.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation for the hotel's restaurant, room service, and banqueting facilities.
• Develop creative, seasonally driven menus that reflect the hotel's brand and appeal to a diverse clientele.
• Lead, mentor, and train the kitchen brigade, fostering a positive and high-performance culture.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and supplier relationships to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Maintain impeccable standards of food safety, hygiene, and sanitation in compliance with all regulations.
• Control food costs, manage budgets effectively, and minimize waste.
• Collaborate with hotel management and the events team to cater for special functions and events.
• Ensure consistency in dish quality and presentation across all culinary offerings.
• Stay updated on industry trends and innovate to enhance the hotel's dining experience.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 3 years in a Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef role, preferably within a boutique hotel or fine dining establishment.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a kitchen team effectively.
• Demonstrated creativity in menu development and a strong understanding of diverse culinary techniques.
• Expertise in inventory management, cost control, and budget administration.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards (e.g., HACCP).
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• A professional culinary qualification from a recognized institution is highly desirable.
• Ability to work flexible and demanding hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, to support hotel operations in Mahikeng .

Benefits

• This Head Chef position offers a competitive salary package, with earnings up to R per annum , reflecting your extensive experience and leadership capabilities.
• Our client provides a stimulating and upscale working environment within a renowned boutique hotel.
• Opportunities for professional growth, skill enhancement, and career advancement in the hospitality sector are significant.
• You will have the autonomy to shape the culinary vision and lead a dedicated team in the scenic North West province.
• This is a chance to make a significant mark on the culinary landscape of Mahikeng .