Head Chef - Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa, Plettenberg Bay

HotelJobs; Plettenberg Bay; On-site; ZAR 335,000 - 446,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking a talented Head Chef for a celebrated 5-star boutique hotel and spa in Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape. You will lead the full kitchen operation, develop seasonal locally inspired menus and build a kitchen culture that reflects warmth and character of the property.

This live-out role requires strong leadership, financial acumen in food cost control and supplier management, plus a hands-on approach in a vibrant kitchen.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary qualification from a recognised institution.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a Head Chef or senior Sous Chef role within luxury or boutique hospitality.
• Proven ability to create and execute high-quality seasonal, locally inspired menus.
• Strong kitchen leadership and team management experience.
• Solid financial acumen including food cost control, stock management and supplier relationships.
• Experience with menu costing and contributing to pricing strategy.
• Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene and health compliance.
• Hands-on; visible and operationally present in the kitchen.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Sustainable sourcing and building relationships with local suppliers.
• Stable work history with contactable references and a strong food portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute seasonal, locally inspired menus aligned to the property's food philosophy.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, presentation and consistency across all meal periods.
• Continuously evolve the culinary offering through innovation and food trend awareness.
• Work collaboratively with the Group Food Ambassador and management team on brand alignment.
• Lead; mentor and develop the full kitchen team.
• Build a strong, respectful and high-performing kitchen culture.
• Support recruitment, training and performance management.
• Manage staffing levels and scheduling in line with operational requirements.
• Lead the full day-to-day kitchen operation ensuring smooth, efficient service delivery.
• Oversee preparation, service, hygiene and quality control across all service periods.
• Implement and maintain effective kitchen systems and workflows.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety and health regulations.
• Manage food costs, margins and wastage in line with budget and profitability targets.
• Oversee stock control, procurement and supplier relationships.
• Ensure accurate menu costing and contribute to pricing strategies.
• Identify opportunities to enhance revenue through culinary experiences and special events.
• Ensure every dining experience reflects the character and standards of the property.
• Collaborate with FOH teams for seamless service delivery.
• Contribute to special events, activations and bespoke guest experiences.
• Build relationships with local suppliers and drive sustainable sourcing practices.

Skills

Menu costing

Food cost control

Stock management

Supplier relationships

Leadership

Communication

Sustainability

Hands-on kitchen

Food safety

Hygiene

TallOrder

Education

Formal culinary qualification

Tools

TallOrder

Job description

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking a talented Head Chef for a celebrated 5-star boutique hotel and spa in Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape. You will lead the full kitchen operation, develop seasonal locally inspired menus and build a kitchen culture that reflects warmth and character of the property.

This live-out role requires strong leadership, financial acumen in food cost control and supplier management, plus a hands-on approach in a vibrant kitchen.