Head Chef — Luxury Lodge | Remote Bush, Live-In

HotelJobs; Mpumalanga; On-site; ZAR 183,000 - 219,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs, Mpumalanga-based luxury lodge, seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead its kitchen in a remote bush setting. This hands-on role requires strong lodge/hotel dining background and a drive for high-quality plated meals. Live-in accommodation is provided, with a monthly salary of around R18,000.

The Head Chef will supervise kitchen staff, manage stock and costs, ensure HACCP compliance, and coordinate with Front of House to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary qualification from a recognised institution.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a lodge, hotel or fine-dining kitchen.
• At least 2 years' experience as Head Chef.
• Strong knowledge of stock management, portion control and food hygiene standards.
• Proven experience preparing and presenting high-quality plated meals.
• Strong leadership and staff training abilities.
• Good administrative and reporting skills.
• Computer literate, with MS Office experience.
• Fluent in English; an additional local language would be advantageous.
• Valid driver's licence.
• Willingness to work flexible shifts, weekends, public holidays and overtime.
• Comfortable living and working in a remote bush environment.
• Ability to work on a 21 days on / 7 days off cycle.

Responsibilities

• Execute daily and seasonal menus in line with established standards and SOPs.
• Adapt menus according to guest feedback and stock availability.
• Conduct quality checks prior to service to ensure consistent standards.
• Manage daily and monthly stock takes.
• Maintain effective portion control and minimise wastage.
• Monitor and manage food costs.
• Manage staff schedules and ensure an efficient kitchen workflow.
• Lead; brief and train the kitchen team.
• Monitor staff performance and provide constructive feedback.
• Foster teamwork, morale and effective communication within the kitchen.
• Conduct pre‑shift briefings and coordinate with Front of House and service teams.
• Maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness, hygiene and food safety.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP and lodge health and safety requirements.
• Oversee food storage, temperature control, pest management and safe working practices.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained and ready for service.
• Communicate daily with Front of House regarding menus, dietary requirements and guest feedback.
• Provide regular updates to the General Manager regarding menu performance, staffing, equipment and operational requirements.
• Prepare accurate weekly and monthly reports relating to stock, wastage, food costs and maintenance.
• Engage professionally with guests regarding menu items and accommodate special dietary requests.
• Stay up to date with best practices and innovations in food production, hygiene and kitchen equipment.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Stock management

Food safety / HACCP

Leadership

Menu planning

Staff training

Communication

Administrative skills

English fluency

Education

Formal culinary qualification

Tools

MS Office

Job description

HotelJobs, Mpumalanga-based luxury lodge, seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead its kitchen in a remote bush setting. This hands-on role requires strong lodge/hotel dining background and a drive for high-quality plated meals. Live-in accommodation is provided, with a monthly salary of around R18,000.

The Head Chef will supervise kitchen staff, manage stock and costs, ensure HACCP compliance, and coordinate with Front of House to deliver exceptional guest experiences.