Head Chef — Boutique Hotel Kitchen Leader, Structure & Cost

HotelJobs; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking a strong, structured and experienced Head Chef to take ownership of the kitchen operation at a boutique hotel in Centurion. The ideal candidate will lead a small team, deliver consistent high standards, manage costs, ensure compliance with health and safety, and drive menu planning and culinary excellence without unnecessary overspend.

This hands-on leadership role requires calm decision-making, a proactive approach to training, and the ability to implement

Qualifications

• Proven leadership to train and develop kitchen staff.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Commercial focus on cost-effective menus and kitchen planning.
• Calm, organised, decisive leadership to maintain standards.
• Knowledge of kitchen hygiene and food safety practices.
• Level 2 Health & Safety certification and R638 Food Regulations certification.
• Ability to establish structure, systems and discipline in the kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of kitchen operations for the boutique hotel.
• Lead and develop the existing kitchen team to deliver high standards.
• Maintain costs while ensuring quality and consistency across menus.
• Implement structure, systems and discipline to optimise daily operations.

Skills

Leadership

Planning

Organisational skills

Cost control

Hygiene & food safety

Team training

Decisive leadership

Education

Level 2 Health & Safety certification

R638 Food Regulations certification

Job description

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking a strong, structured and experienced Head Chef to take ownership of the kitchen operation at a boutique hotel in Centurion. The ideal candidate will lead a small team, deliver consistent high standards, manage costs, ensure compliance with health and safety, and drive menu planning and culinary excellence without unnecessary overspend.

This hands-on leadership role requires calm decision-making, a proactive approach to training, and the ability to implement