Head Chef | Greater Kruger

HospitalityandOutdoor; Durban; On-site; ZAR 446,000 - 558,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing

Meals

Uniform

Job summary

Hospitality and Outdoor Establishment: Game Lodge in Mpumalanga is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen, develop seasonal menus and deliver world-class luxury dining for a premium safari guest experience.

The role requires at least 5 years as Head/Executive Chef in a 5-star lodge, strong leadership, budgeting, staff mentoring, and impeccable hygiene standards; contract is full-time with housing, meals and uniform.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in a 5-star lodge environment.
• Extensive high-end fine dining experience essential.
• Diploma in Food Preparation & Culinary Arts.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Experience in staff training, mentoring, and development.
• Excellent guest relations and communication abilities.
• Financial management, budgeting, and forecasting experience.
• Stock control and inventory management skills.
• Knowledge of stock management systems.
• Computer literacy including MS Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Able to work flexible hours, weekends, and public holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations.
• Create and develop seasonal menus and special event offerings.
• Ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation standards.
• Manage budgets, profit and loss, stock control, and inventories.
• Maintain strict hygiene and food safety standards.
• Control costs and minimize wastage.
• Drive departmental profitability and operational efficiency.
• Train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff.
• Deliver world-class luxury dining experiences aligned with the lodge’s vision.

Skills

Leadership

Staff training

Budgeting

Stock control

Food safety

Guest relations

Communication

Computer literacy

Education

Diploma in Food Preparation & Culinary Arts

Tools

MS Outlook

MS Word

MS Excel

Stock management systems

Job description

Hospitality and Outdoor Establishment: Game Lodge

Head Chef - Greater Kruger

An exclusive luxury lodge in the Greater Kruger region is seeking an experienced and innovative Head Chef to lead its kitchen operation and deliver exceptional culinary experiences. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate hospitality professional with a strong fine dining background and proven leadership skills to join a world‑class safari destination. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for all kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, and guest satisfaction. Working within a luxury lodge environment, the Head Chef will be responsible for menu development, staff training, stock control, budgeting, and maintaining the lodge’s renowned culinary reputation. This role is ideally suited to a creative and driven chef who thrives under pressure, enjoys mentoring kitchen teams, and is dedicated to exceeding guest expectations through innovative dining experiences. The position offers the chance to showcase culinary talent while contributing to unforgettable luxury safari experiences in one of South Africa’s most sought‑after destinations.

Benefits

• Housing
• Meals
• Uniform

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in a 5-star lodge environment
• Extensive high-end fine dining experience essential
• Diploma in Food Preparation & Culinary Arts
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Experience in staff training, mentoring, and development
• Excellent guest relations and communication abilities
• Financial management, budgeting, and forecasting experience
• Strong stock control and inventory management skills
• Knowledge of stock management systems
• Computer literacy including MS Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Able to work flexible hours, weekends, and public holidays

Job Description

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations
• Create and develop seasonal menus and special event offerings
• Ensure exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation standards
• Manage budgets, profit and loss, stock control, and inventories
• Maintain strict hygiene and food safety standards
• Control costs and minimize wastage
• Drive departmental profitability and operational efficiency
• Train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff
• Deliver world-class luxury dining experiences aligned with the lodge’s vision

Employment Details

• Contract: Full Time
• Location: Mpumalanga

Salary

R40,000 – R50,000 per month (Depending on Experience)

Start Date

October / November 2026