Head Chef: Lead Gourmet Dining & Team Excellence

wine.co.za; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Foreshore Hotel in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a busy kitchen and deliver outstanding guest dining experiences. You will drive culinary excellence, manage costs, and ensure safe, efficient kitchen operations across all services.

The role requires a culinary diploma and proven leadership in a hotel or resort dining environment, with a strong focus on menu development and HACCP compliance. A hands-on leader who inspires a high-performing team is essential.

Qualifications

• Culinary diploma or equivalent professional culinary qualification.
• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef within hotel, lodge, resort or comparable hospitality environment.
• Strong experience in menu development, kitchen management and food cost control.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a diverse kitchen team.
• Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP and hygiene standards.
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Ability to perform effectively under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver consistently high-quality food across all services.
• Maintain exceptional standards of taste, presentation and menu execution.
• Develop and maintain menus that reflect the property’s culinary offering and guest expectations.
• Monitor guest feedback and proactively address food quality or service concerns.
• Ensure consistency across all dishes and meal periods.
• Lead the kitchen operation to ensure efficient and timely service, particularly during peak periods and functions.
• Optimise kitchen productivity and staff allocation.
• Maintain high standards of organisation, cleanliness and equipment care.
• Identify and resolve operational challenges to minimise disruption to service.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and cleanliness.
• Ensure compliance with relevant health and safety regulations and internal standards.
• Maintain accurate HACCP, temperature, cleaning and food safety records.
• Ensure the kitchen is consistently prepared for internal and external audits.
• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team.
• Provide ongoing training, coaching and performance feedback.
• Promote a professional, disciplined and collaborative kitchen culture.
• Manage staff performance, productivity and attendance effectively.
• Support the development and retention of a strong culinary team.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food cost control

Kitchen management

HACCP & safety

Staff development

Education

Culinary diploma

Job description

Foreshore Hotel in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a busy kitchen and deliver outstanding guest dining experiences. You will drive culinary excellence, manage costs, and ensure safe, efficient kitchen operations across all services.

The role requires a culinary diploma and proven leadership in a hotel or resort dining environment, with a strong focus on menu development and HACCP compliance. A hands-on leader who inspires a high-performing team is essential.