Head Chef — Luxury Fine-Dining Leader (Live-Out)

HotelJobs; Franschhoek; On-site; ZAR 558,000 - 670,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-out position

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the culinary team at a prestigious luxury wine estate in Franschhoek, Western Cape. The role requires hands-on leadership, fine dining excellence and a passion for creative, high-quality cuisine.

You will oversee kitchen operations, develop seasonal menus with local, sustainable ingredients, manage costs and supplier relationships, and ensure strict food safety standards while delivering memorable dining experiences.

Qualifications

• Proven Head Chef experience in fine dining or luxury settings.
• Formal culinary qualification or equivalent.
• Strong leadership and team management.
• Expertise in modern culinary techniques and menu planning.
• Experience with budgets, costings, stock control and suppliers.
• Organised, communicative, and problem-solving.
• Hands-on leadership with staff development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency and presentation.
• Develop and execute innovative seasonal menus highlighting fresh, locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.
• Lead, train and motivate the kitchen team to maintain high culinary standards.
• Manage food costs, stock control, ordering and supplier relationships.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and health regulations.
• Collaborate with management on menu development, special events and unique dining experiences.
• Maintain operational efficiency while encouraging creativity and innovation.
• Ensure consistent delivery of exceptional fine dining experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Food presentation

Budget management

Food safety

Communication

Problem solving

Hands-on leadership

Education

Formal culinary qualification

Job description

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the culinary team at a prestigious luxury wine estate in Franschhoek, Western Cape. The role requires hands-on leadership, fine dining excellence and a passion for creative, high-quality cuisine.

You will oversee kitchen operations, develop seasonal menus with local, sustainable ingredients, manage costs and supplier relationships, and ensure strict food safety standards while delivering memorable dining experiences.