Head Chef - Fine Dining Restaurant

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Staff meals

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an exceptional Head Chef to lead a renowned fine-dining kitchen in Johannesburg. You will shape the gastronomic vision, drive excellence, and manage a high-performance team to deliver unforgettable dining experiences.

The role demands creative leadership, a strong portfolio, and expertise in menu costing, inventory management, and global culinary techniques. Competitive benefits and career growth await in a high-profile setting.

Qualifications

• Proven Head Chef or Exec Sous Chef in a fine-dining setting.
• Strong culinary portfolio with creative dishes.
• Excellent leadership, communication and organizational skills.
• Experience with menu costing and inventory management software.
• Deep knowledge of cooking techniques and global cuisines.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative, seasonal menus aligned with brand identity.
• Oversee all kitchen operations: prep, cook, plate, sanitation.
• Mentor and train kitchen brigade to maintain high performance.
• Control food costs, inventory, and supplier relations for profitability.
• Collaborate on menu costing, pricing, and events with management.
• Ensure health, safety and hygiene regulations are met.

Skills

Leadership

Menu costing

Inventory management

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Culinary certification

Tools

Inventory management software

Menu engineering software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an exceptional and innovative Head Chef to lead the culinary team at a prestigious fine dining establishment in Johannesburg . This pivotal role demands a creative individual with a passion for creating exquisite dishes, managing kitchen operations efficiently, and upholding the highest standards of quality and presentation. You will be responsible for the overall gastronomic vision of the restaurant, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience for every guest. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned culinary professional to make a significant impact and drive excellence in a high-profile setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and curate innovative, seasonal menus that reflect current culinary trends and the restaurant's brand identity.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and sanitation standards.
• Manage, mentor, and train the kitchen brigade, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Control food costs, inventory management, and supplier relationships to ensure profitability and quality.
• Collaborate with the restaurant management team on menu costing, pricing, and event planning.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations .

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a high-end restaurant.
• Demonstrable culinary expertise with a strong portfolio of creative dishes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in menu engineering , costing, and inventory management software.
• Deep understanding of various cooking techniques, global cuisines, and food trends.
• Relevant culinary certifications or formal training.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary and performance bonuses.
• Opportunity to lead a renowned culinary team in Johannesburg .
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement fund contributions.
• Staff meals and a generous discount on dining.
• Ongoing professional development and culinary training opportunities.