Head Chef: Italian Cuisine Maestro at Elite Winery

Christine Loopstra; Franschhoek; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Franschhoek Wine Farm in Franschhoek is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the entire kitchen across its food and hospitality offerings. You will be a hands-on leader ensuring quality, presentation, service and hygiene while developing menus that showcase the estate's unique style and maintaining effective control of food costs and stock.

The role requires strong culinary expertise with a passion for Italian cuisine, solid leadership, and the ability to mentor a small kitchen team in a

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef within a busy, upmarket establishment (≈80 covers)
• Excellent culinary skills with flair for Italian cuisine
• Open-kitchen experience advantageous
• Strong menu development and food costing knowledge
• Experience managing food costs, stock control and supplier relationships
• Excellent leadership to motivate and develop a small kitchen team
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• High focus on customer satisfaction and consistent quality standards
• Impeccable health, food safety and hygiene standards
• Honest, hardworking and reliable
• Ownership of kitchen operations and ability to stay calm under pressure

Responsibilities

• Create and develop menus for various food offerings reflecting each entity's style
• Cost dishes accurately and submit costings on time
• Develop customised menus for estate functions and events
• Ensure all kitchen staff are trained in menu preparation and execution
• Lead and manage the kitchen team to maintain high standards
• Manage food costs and expenses within budgets
• Oversee stock orders and maintain stock levels
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and stock control
• Ensure health, safety and hygiene standards at all times
• Monitor quality and presentation of dishes leaving the kitchen
• Ensure efficient kitchen operations in a busy hospitality setting
• Focus on customer satisfaction and culinary excellence
• Lead by example with hands-on leadership and reliability

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food cost control

Stock management

Team management

Italian cuisine flair

Open kitchen experience

Job description

Franschhoek Wine Farm in Franschhoek is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the entire kitchen across its food and hospitality offerings. You will be a hands-on leader ensuring quality, presentation, service and hygiene while developing menus that showcase the estate's unique style and maintaining effective control of food costs and stock.

The role requires strong culinary expertise with a passion for Italian cuisine, solid leadership, and the ability to mentor a small kitchen team in a