Head Chef - Gastropub

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Profit-sharing potential

Creative input in menu development

Career advancement opportunities

Staff discounts and meal allowances

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a popular gastropub, crafting a menu that blends traditional pub fare with modern techniques and locally sourced ingredients.

You will manage all kitchen operations, train the brigade, control costs, uphold top hygiene standards, and collaborate with management on specials and improvements.

This role offers a competitive salary, profit-sharing potential, and opportunities for career advancement within the company.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef or Sous Chef in a busy gastropub.
• Strong knowledge of pub-style cuisine with a modern twist.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in food cost control, inventory management, and budgeting.
• Passion for fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a seasonal menu that appeals to the gastropub concept, focusing on fresh, quality ingredients.
• Manage all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, presentation, and quality control.
• Lead, train, and motivate the kitchen brigade, fostering a positive and efficient work environment.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and ensure efficient stock rotation and ordering.
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety in the kitchen.
• Collaborate with the management team on menu specials, promotions, and operational improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Food cost control

Inventory management

Kitchen budgeting

Local ingredients knowledge

Pressure handling

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a passionate and innovative Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a popular gastropub in Bloemfontein . You will be responsible for creating a compelling menu that blends traditional pub fare with modern culinary techniques, sourcing high-quality local ingredients, and managing all aspects of kitchen operations. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the culinary identity of a beloved establishment, inspire a dedicated kitchen team, and deliver exceptional food experiences to a lively clientele. If you have a flair for creative yet accessible cooking and strong leadership skills, this is the role for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a seasonal menu that appeals to the gastropub concept, focusing on fresh, quality ingredients.
• Manage all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, presentation, and quality control.
• Lead, train, and motivate the kitchen brigade, fostering a positive and efficient work environment.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and ensure efficient stock rotation and ordering.
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety in the kitchen.
• Collaborate with the management team on menu specials, promotions, and operational improvements.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in a similar busy, high-quality restaurant or gastropub.
• Strong knowledge of pub-style cuisine with a modern, creative twist.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Proficiency in food cost control, inventory management, and kitchen budgeting.
• Passion for using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and maintain high standards during peak service hours.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for profit-sharing.
• Opportunities for menu innovation and creative input.
• A vibrant and supportive work environment with a strong team culture.
• Potential for career advancement within the company.
• Staff discounts and meal allowances.