Head Chef & Kitchen Operations Leader

Phoenix Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

Phoenix Recruitment presents a busy day-time restaurant in Rosebank seeking a Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to oversee back-of-house operations, blending culinary leadership with business administration.

You will lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team while controlling quality, stock, and safety, ensuring a profitable, high-volume operation with outstanding service.

Competitive salary offered; role requires 3+ years in a similar position and a formal culinary qualification.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years in a head chef/kitchen manager role.
• Formal culinary qualification required.
• Strong attention to detail and a passion for quality and organisation.
• Ability to lead back-of-house operations and drive high standards.
• Experience in bakery, kitchen, or food production environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food prep and presentation; manage service flow.
• Hire, train, schedule, and motivate kitchen staff.
• Order stock; manage suppliers; conduct stock counts; monitor food and labour budgets.
• Design dishes, test recipes, and calculate food costs.
• Enforce hygiene rules, food safety, and equipment maintenance.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Attention to detail

Food safety

Staff performance

Inventory management

Education

Formal culinary qualification

Grade 12

Job description

Phoenix Recruitment presents a busy day-time restaurant in Rosebank seeking a Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to oversee back-of-house operations, blending culinary leadership with business administration.

You will lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team while controlling quality, stock, and safety, ensuring a profitable, high-volume operation with outstanding service.

Competitive salary offered; role requires 3+ years in a similar position and a formal culinary qualification.