Head Chef - Gastropub: Lead Menu, Inspire Team, Equity Potential

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

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.