Head Chef: Creative Kitchen Leader in a Luxury Hotel

Village n Life; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive package

Job summary

The Bay Hotel, part of Village n Life, is seeking a Head Chef to lead the culinary direction and day-to-day operations of the kitchen, delivering bold dishes while upholding hygiene and cost control.

You will manage a skilled kitchen team, drive menu development, and ensure consistency across all meal periods in a 4- or 5-star hotel setting. This leadership role requires hands-on people management and collaboration with hotel departments.

Qualifications

• Matric and a relevant culinary qualification.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Head Chef or in a similar role within a 4 or 5‑star hotel environment.
• Strong understanding of hotel kitchen operations and service delivery.
• Proven leadership and people management capability.
• Sound commercial awareness with strong cost control skills.
• High standards of hygiene, organisation and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Kitchen Leadership & Operations
• Lead, train and motivate the kitchen team to meet and exceed food preparation and presentation standards
• Direct daily kitchen operations to ensure smooth, efficient service across all meal periods
• Set and maintain performance standards to ensure high levels of guest satisfaction
• Ensure clear communication within the kitchen and with other departments
• Cascade information from Group Support Services to the kitchen team
• Ensure stores are correctly managed, labelled, secured and maintained
• Menu Development & Quality Control
• Develop creative, innovative menus aligned to the property’s culinary vision
• Ensure all recipes can be consistently executed by the kitchen team
• Maintain high standards of presentation, flavour and portion control
• Handle culinary‑related guest feedback and complaints professionally
• Hygiene, Safety & Compliance
• Ensure strict adherence to hygiene, food safety and kitchen protocols
• Maintain a safe, clean and well‑organised kitchen environment at all times
• Ensure food labelling, storage and waste management procedures are followed
• Stock, Cost & Financial Control
• Place orders timeously to avoid stock shortages or unnecessary wastage
• Source quality suppliers while monitoring pricing and product consistency
• Control food costs within Group‑set parameters
• Ensure menu pricing remains competitive within the property’s compset
• Follow all purchase order and authorisation procedures
• Manage staffing levels and headcounts in line with operational needs and budgets
• People Management & HR Responsibilities
• Ensure correct recruitment procedures are followed for kitchen staff
• Provide ongoing on‑the‑job training, coaching and development
• Conduct probation reviews and performance discussions timeously
• Apply fair, consistent and equitable discipline
• Ensure kitchen dress code and grooming standards are maintained
• Manage staff files and submit HR documentation within deadlines
• You’ll play an active role in the broader hotel operation, including participating in Duty Manager and night shift rotations and supporting management cover when required

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Cost control

Hygiene standards

Staff training

Education

Matric & culinary qualification

Job description

The Bay Hotel, part of Village n Life, is seeking a Head Chef to lead the culinary direction and day-to-day operations of the kitchen, delivering bold dishes while upholding hygiene and cost control.

You will manage a skilled kitchen team, drive menu development, and ensure consistency across all meal periods in a 4- or 5-star hotel setting. This leadership role requires hands-on people management and collaboration with hotel departments.