Head Chef - Hoedspruit 5* Game Lodge With High-Volume Operations

HotelJobs; Hoedspruit; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

ProStaffSelect seeks a highly skilled Head Chef for a premier luxury game lodge in Limpopo. You will lead a 12–14 person kitchen brigade, ensuring top-tier, modern South African cuisine for multiple outlets and a dynamic, high-pressure service environment.

The role requires a formal cheffing qualification with 4–5 years in senior/managerial positions, strong leadership, budget control and a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Formal Cheffing Qualification with at least 4–5 years' experience in a senior chef / managerial position.
• Evidence of quality / fine dining 5* culinary standards within busy high-volume restaurants.
• Experience with elegant Modern South African Cuisine style of cooking.
• Excellent understanding of special dietary needs and preparation requirements.
• Versatility in a variety of cuisine styles and trends with creativity in plating.
• Knowledge and experience in Food and Recipe costings.
• Strong leadership and management abilities.
• Proven success in dealing with staff, HR matters and training.

Responsibilities

• The Head Chef will run the kitchen team of 12–14 chefs and oversee operations for all outlets.
• Report directly to the Lodge Manager and drive daily quality standards.
• Oversee the kitchen operation and develop new dishes, maintaining high performance in a busy setting.
• Manage daily financial controls, stocktakes and budgets while ensuring exceptional guest experience.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Training

HR handling

Staff development

Communication

Creativity

Quality control

Education

Formal Cheffing Qualification

Job description

This ultra-modern, luxury game lodge is the largest within the group of privately owned Game Reserve Camps in Limpopo. Offering wide open spaces, contemporary design, five-star accommodation. The main camp appeals to the younger, more festive and social crowds than the smaller quieter camps. Now offering a total of 48 Deluxe and very spacious suites, each with uninterrupted views over the Big Five game reserve, the ultra-chic décor is distinctly modern, crisp and predominantly white with raw-bleached solid wood architectural accents and finishes.

The "open-fire" restaurant is a contemporary space with an expansive 110-seater indoor / outdoor terrace with wraparound windows & stargazing fire-pits. The menu is designed and curated by the award-winning Cape Town born group executive chef and offers contemporary modern cuisine.

ProStaffSelect are in search of a highly skilled and extremely creative HEAD CHEF with noticeable experience in top fine dining establishments to take on responsibilities for running this amazing space. The Head Chef will support the Exec Chef with daily operational management for the entire lodge including all three food outlets of which the main 110-seater "fire pit" restaurant demands the most. This is a high-pressure and very busy operation offering elegant multiple-component platings for both lunch and dinner.

REQUIREMENTS

• Formal Cheffing Qualification with at least 4-5 years' experience in a senior chef / managerial position
• Evidence of quality / fine dining 5* culinary standards within busy high-volume restaurants
• Experience with elegant Modern South African Cuisine style of cooking ( not rustic bush lodge )
• An excellent understanding of special dietary needs and preparation requirements
• Versatility in a variety of cuisine styles and trends with creativity in plating
• Highly creative ability in maximising the full potential of all fresh produce
• Excellent understanding of seasonal cooking and ingredients
• Proven knowledge and experience in Food and Recipe costings
• Strong leadership and management abilities
• Proven success in dealing with staff, handling HR matters, developing and training young chefs
• Excellent appreciation for quality front of house service and knowledge of FOH responsibilities
• Solid understanding of daily financial controls, stock take, budgets etc
• Evidence of exceptional people skills in dealing with guests and staff
• An effective communicator and motivator of people
• Established, confident and friendly personality

EXTRA INFO

• The Chef will take care of the day to day running of the entire kitchen team of between 12 & 14 chefs
• He/she will report directly to the Lodge Managers and will oversee the kitchen operation and drive quality standards daily.
• This position really requires a love for cuisine and a passion for creating new dishes daily

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Good communicator
• Good team player
• Shows excellent attention to detail
• Reliable and dependable
• Hard working and committed
• Displays a sense of urgency in all areas of work
• Ability to work unsupervised and show initiative and creativity in managing others
• Strong personality traits, confident leadership skills
• Willingness/ability to share information, train others and still learn from others
• Willingness to take criticism and be even-tempered during stressful work conditions
• Support a culture of respect within the team, toward chefs, other staff members and managers
• Show an ongoing passion for food service by providing guests a truly exceptional dining experience

WHY IS THIS A UNIQUE JOB OPPORTUNITY?

• Career advancement within a stable work environment
• Excellent team support with professionally trained chefs and brigade structures
• Only a short distance from modern facilities, shops, centres and infrastructure
• Strong community safety, Low Crime Rates and modern conveniences
• Local residents enjoy regular trail running, mountain biking, bird watching, and hiking in the scenic Lowveld
• Great access to a variety of education choices for children