Head Chef - Coastal Resort Catering

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Accommodation assistance

Professional development

Prestigious resort

Job summary

Placements24 presents a rare opportunity for a Head Chef at a prestigious coastal resort in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead extensive catering operations, craft innovative menus, and guide a talented culinary team to deliver exceptional dining experiences for banquets, weddings, conferences and in-house dining.

The role requires a proven track record in high-volume hospitality, strong menu engineering and cost control, and the ability to uphold strict food safety and guest

Qualifications

• Experience leading culinary operations at a high-volume, upscale resort or hospitality setting.
• Strong understanding of menu engineering, cost control and inventory management.
• Proven leadership, team management and communication skills.
• Ability to create and present diverse, innovative menus.
• Knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP) and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations for the resort's catering services, ensuring top quality and presentation.
• Develop creative, cost-effective menus highlighting local produce and international influences.
• Lead kitchen staff: recruitment, training, scheduling and performance reviews.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and ensure efficient ordering.
• Maintain strict health, safety, and sanitation standards in all kitchens.
• Collaborate with management and events teams for seamless catered functions.
• Uphold the resort's culinary reputation and guest satisfaction.
• Continuously innovate menus based on trends and guest feedback.
• Manage kitchen budgets and P&L for the culinary department.

Skills

Leadership

Menu engineering

Cost control

Inventory management

Team management

HACCP

Communication

High-volume dining

Education

Culinary qualifications

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious coastal resort renowned for its exceptional dining experiences, is seeking a dynamic and visionary Head Chef to lead its extensive catering operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role demands a culinary leader with a passion for fresh, local ingredients and the ability to manage diverse catering needs, including banquets, weddings, conferences, and in-house dining. The ideal candidate will be responsible for creating innovative menus, maintaining impeccable kitchen standards, and leading a talented team of culinary professionals. If you thrive in a challenging, creative environment and have a proven track record of culinary excellence, this is an unparalleled opportunity to make your mark on the South African hospitality scene.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations for the resort's catering services, ensuring the highest standards of food quality and presentation.
• Develop creative, appealing, and cost-effective menus that showcase local produce and international influences.
• Manage kitchen staff, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Control food costs, manage inventory levels, and ensure efficient ordering of supplies.
• Maintain strict adherence to health, safety, and sanitation regulations within all kitchen areas.
• Collaborate with the resort management and events team to ensure seamless execution of all catered functions.
• Uphold the resort's reputation for culinary excellence and guest satisfaction.
• Continuously innovate and refine menu offerings based on current culinary trends and guest feedback.
• Manage kitchen budgets and P&L responsibilities for the culinary department.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef, preferably within a high-volume, upscale hospitality or resort environment.
• A strong understanding of menu engineering, cost control, and inventory management.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to create and present diverse and innovative menus.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and best practices (e.g., HACCP).
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for high-quality cuisine and commitment to excellence.
• Relevant culinary qualifications from a reputable institution.
• Flexibility to work demanding hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, essential for the hospitality industry in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with the seniority of the role, and potentially including performance incentives.
• You will have the opportunity to work in a stunning location and lead a dedicated culinary team.
• Professional development and growth opportunities within a leading resort brand are available.
• This position includes accommodation assistance and provides a unique chance to shape the culinary identity of a renowned establishment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .