Head Chef: Creative Kitchen Leader & Menu Architect

Capsicum Culinary Studio; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Leadership role

Creative input

Group Support Services

Competitive package

Job summary

Village N Life is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen, develop menus, manage costs and ensure top-quality, consistent dining experiences at a luxury property in South Africa. You will oversee a skilled team, drive hygiene and safety standards and collaborate with other departments.

This leadership role requires strong operational control, hands-on people management, and commercial awareness to deliver bold, well-executed dishes and maintain guest satisfaction.

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
• Ability to work under pressure and lead by example

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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.

Job description

Village N Life is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen, develop menus, manage costs and ensure top-quality, consistent dining experiences at a luxury property in South Africa. You will oversee a skilled team, drive hygiene and safety standards and collaborate with other departments.

This leadership role requires strong operational control, hands-on people management, and commercial awareness to deliver bold, well-executed dishes and maintain guest satisfaction.