Head Chef | Clanwilliam

HospitalityandOutdoor; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 312,000 - 402,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing

Meals

Uniform

Job summary

Hospitality & Outdoor is seeking a creative Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a luxury wilderness lodge near Clanwilliam. The role requires hands-on culinary expertise, strong leadership, and a passion for seasonal produce to deliver memorable dining experiences.

The successful candidate will manage food costs, develop menus, and ensure high standards across all kitchen areas while maintaining health and safety compliance. Live-in accommodation and meals are provided.

Qualifications

• Recognised culinary qualification or equivalent is essential.
• Two to three years of relevant culinary experience.
• Experience in a high-end lodge or restaurant environment is essential.
• Experience in boutique or smaller establishments would be advantageous.
• Strong leadership, communication, organisational and cost-control skills.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends and public holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations maintaining high standards of food quality, flavour and presentation.
• Develop creative seasonal menus balancing guest expectations, operations, quality and budget.
• Prepare homemade products (bread, pastries, sausages, desserts, gelato).
• Consider guests' dietary needs and feedback when planning meals.
• Manage food costs, budgets, stock levels, orders and supplier relationships.
• Maintain kitchen hygiene, food safety, cleanliness and equipment standards.
• Lead, mentor, train the kitchen team and schedule staff.
• Keep menus fresh with seasonal ingredients and trends.
• Collaborate with lodge team to deliver seamless guest experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Creativity

Cost control

Menu planning

Food safety

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

Hospitality & Outdoor

Starting Date: ASAP

Establishment: Game Lodge

Additional Benefits

• Housing
• Meals
• Uniform

Hospitality and Outdoor – New Vacancy – Head Chef

Luxury Wilderness Lodge – Clanwilliam – Western Cape

An exciting opportunity is available for an energetic and creative Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a luxury wilderness lodge near Clanwilliam. The successful candidate will bring fresh ideas, strong leadership and a genuine passion for creating memorable guest dining experiences. This role suits a hands‑on culinary professional who enjoys working with seasonal produce, developing homemade dishes and maintaining excellent standards across all areas of the kitchen.

Job Description & Requirements

• Lead daily kitchen operations while maintaining consistently high standards of food quality, flavour and presentation.
• Develop creative seasonal menus that balance guest expectations, operational requirements, quality and budget.
• Prepare and oversee a variety of homemade products, including breads, pastries, sausages, desserts and gelato.
• Ensure guests’ preferences, dietary requirements and feedback are considered when planning and preparing meals.
• Manage food costs, kitchen budgets, stock levels, ordering and supplier relationships.
• Monitor portion control, wastage and stock rotation to support profitability and efficient kitchen operations.
• Maintain excellent kitchen hygiene, food safety, cleanliness and equipment standards.
• Ensure all kitchen operations comply with relevant health and safety requirements.
• Lead, mentor, motivate and train the kitchen team, encouraging accountability and professional development.
• Plan kitchen schedules and allocate responsibilities to support smooth service.
• Keep menus fresh and relevant through an awareness of current food trends, seasonal ingredients and sustainable practices.
• Work closely with the wider lodge team to deliver a seamless and memorable guest experience.
• A recognised culinary qualification or equivalent is essential.
• A minimum of two to three years of relevant culinary experience is required.
• Previous experience in a high‑end lodge or restaurant environment is essential.
• Experience within a boutique or smaller establishment would be advantageous.
• Strong leadership, communication, organisational and cost-control skills are required.
• Must be creative, flexible and comfortable working under pressure.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends and public holidays when required.

Package

• Salary: Market Related
• Accommodation: Live-in
• Meals provided
• Professional development opportunities
• Three-weeks-on, one-week-off work cycle