Head Chef - Coastal Resort Dining

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Accommodation options

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a dynamic Head Chef to oversee its fine-dining restaurant and catering operations at a luxurious coastal resort. You will lead the kitchen, craft seasonal menus using local ingredients, and manage a diverse brigade to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

The role drives culinary vision and maintains the resort's reputation for excellence. We seek a culinary visionary with strong leadership, HACCP expertise, and a proven track record in luxury hospitality.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 3 years in a Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef role.
• Formal culinary arts degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Demonstrated expertise in fine-dining cuisine, menu engineering, and sophisticated presentation.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety, sanitation practices (HACCP), and cost control measures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the kitchen, including menu development, food preparation, cooking, and presentation for the fine-dining restaurant and banquet facilities.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage the kitchen brigade, ensuring high performance, professional development, and adherence to standards.
• Develop creative, seasonally inspired menus that highlight fresh, local produce and cater to diverse palates, while managing food costs effectively.
• Maintain impeccable standards of food quality, hygiene, and safety, ensuring compliance with all health regulations and HACCP guidelines.
• Oversee inventory management, stock control, and ordering of supplies, cultivating strong relationships with reputable suppliers.
• Collaborate with the Food & Beverage Manager and other department heads to ensure seamless execution of service and uphold the resort's standards.
• Manage the kitchen budget, controlling costs related to food, labor, and supplies while maximizing profitability.
• Ensure consistent execution of dishes and maintain high standards during busy service periods in a demanding environment.
• Foster a positive and productive kitchen culture, promoting teamwork, discipline, and a passion for culinary excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

HACCP knowledge

Cost control

Budgeting

Menu development

Creativity

Education

Culinary arts degree

Job description

About the Role

A luxurious coastal resort located in the vibrant city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head Chef to oversee its acclaimed fine-dining restaurant and associated catering operations. This role demands a culinary visionary with a deep appreciation for local ingredients and international flavors, capable of leading a diverse kitchen team to deliver exceptional dining experiences. The successful candidate will be responsible for menu creation, kitchen management, quality control, and maintaining the resort's reputation for culinary excellence. This is a significant opportunity to lead a talented brigade in a breathtaking setting, contributing to a world-class hospitality establishment. You will champion innovation, uphold rigorous standards, and foster a culture of continuous improvement within the culinary department, ensuring every guest enjoys an unforgettable gastronomic journey. The role is critical to the success of the resort's overall guest experience in Durban .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the kitchen, including menu development, food preparation, cooking, and presentation for the fine-dining restaurant and banquet facilities.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage the kitchen brigade, ensuring high performance, professional development, and adherence to standards.
• Develop creative, seasonally inspired menus that highlight fresh, local produce and cater to diverse palates, while managing food costs effectively.
• Maintain impeccable standards of food quality, hygiene, and safety, ensuring compliance with all health regulations and HACCP guidelines.
• Oversee inventory management, stock control, and ordering of supplies, cultivating strong relationships with reputable suppliers.
• Collaborate with the Food & Beverage Manager and other department heads to ensure seamless execution of service and uphold the resort's standards.
• Manage the kitchen budget, controlling costs related to food, labor, and supplies while maximizing profitability.
• Ensure consistent execution of dishes and maintain high standards during busy service periods in a demanding environment.
• Foster a positive and productive kitchen culture, promoting teamwork, discipline, and a passion for culinary excellence.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 3 years in a Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef role, preferably within a luxury hotel or resort.
• Formal culinary arts degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Demonstrated expertise in fine-dining cuisine, menu engineering, and sophisticated presentation.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety, sanitation practices (HACCP), and cost control measures.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and optimize profitability.
• Creativity and passion for culinary arts, with a commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage operational demands, and maintain composure in a fast-paced environment typical of Durban 's hospitality sector.
• Experience with South African cuisine and local ingredients is advantageous.

Benefits

This position offers an attractive salary package, comprehensive benefits including medical aid and retirement fund contributions, accommodation options, and performance-related bonuses. You will be part of a renowned hospitality brand, with opportunities for career advancement and exposure to diverse culinary challenges in the beautiful setting of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . Enjoy a dynamic work environment with a talented team dedicated to providing exceptional guest experiences.