Head Chef - Gastropub

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 840,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Local produce network

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an innovative Head Chef for a popular gastropub in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead a busy kitchen, craft menus blending pub fare with modern flair, and oversee inventory, staff development, and HACCP standards.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in professional kitchens with leadership experience, a formal culinary qualification, and a passion for high-quality, local ingredients. Relocation to Durban is welcome as part of joining a thriving city’s dining scene.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary qualification or extensive Head Chef experience.
• Minimum 5 years in professional kitchens with leadership roles.
• Proven ability to develop menus and manage costs.
• Strong food safety knowledge and hygiene practices.
• Excellent leadership and communication in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations from prep to plating.
• Develop innovative, seasonally-driven menus for the gastropub concept.
• Source local ingredients and manage inventory for cost efficiency.
• Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff to foster high performance.
• Maintain HACCP-compliant standards and ensure kitchen hygiene.
• Control food and labor costs to meet profitability targets.
• Collaborate with management on pricing, promotions and strategy.
• Ensure consistency and quality across all dishes.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and safe working practices.
• Foster a creative, positive work environment in the kitchen.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Cost control

Staff management

Food safety

Communication

Pressure handling

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly acclaimed and popular gastropub situated in the vibrant coastal city of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking an innovative and experienced Head Chef . This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic kitchen team and craft a menu that blends traditional pub fare with modern culinary flair, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The Head Chef will be responsible for all kitchen operations, including menu development, staff management, inventory control, and ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene. The ideal candidate will have a passion for creating delicious, approachable food, possess strong leadership qualities, and thrive in a busy, high-energy environment. This is a fantastic chance to make a significant culinary mark on the thriving Durban food scene, leading a kitchen that is the heart of a beloved establishment. We are looking for a chef with a proven track record and a dedication to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating.
• Develop and execute innovative, seasonally driven menus that align with the gastropub concept.
• Source high-quality ingredients from local suppliers, managing inventory and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage the kitchen staff to foster a high-performance team.
• Maintain rigorous standards of food safety, sanitation, and workplace hygiene (HACCP compliant).
• Control food costs and labor costs effectively to achieve profitability targets.
• Collaborate with the management team on menu pricing, promotions, and overall business strategy.
• Ensure consistency and quality across all dishes served.
• Manage kitchen equipment maintenance and ensure a safe working environment.
• Foster a positive and creative work atmosphere within the kitchen brigade.

Requirements

• A formal culinary qualification or extensive proven experience in a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef role.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in professional kitchen environments, with at least 2 years in a leadership position.
• Demonstrated experience in menu development, cost control, and staff management.
• Passion for creating delicious, high-quality pub-style and gastropub cuisine.
• Strong understanding of food safety standards and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced setting.
• Creative flair and a commitment to culinary excellence.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal .

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to lead and shape the culinary direction of a popular establishment.
• Access to fresh, local produce and a supportive supplier network.
• Professional development opportunities and creative freedom.
• A dynamic and engaging work environment in a thriving city.
• Potential for profit-sharing or equity in the future.