Head Chef | Luxury Private Game Reserve | Hoedspruit, Mpl | Lb

HotelJobs; Hoedspruit; On-site; ZAR 296,000 - 354,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment seeks an experienced Head Chef for a luxury lodge in Hoedspruit. This senior kitchen leadership role requires hands-on management across multiple dining environments with a focus on exceptional culinary standards.

The ideal candidate has 4–5 years in a Head Chef role within luxury hospitality, strong mentoring skills, and the ability to deliver outstanding service while maintaining cleanliness and cost controls.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4–5 years' Head Chef experience in luxury lodge or high-end hospitality.
• Experience managing à la carte service for up to 165 guests, including buffet service and outdoor functions.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and menu development abilities.
• Calm, composed, and effective under pressure with refined presentation standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations in collaboration with Executive Chef.
• Maintain high levels of cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.
• Manage inventory, stock control, and procurement following health & safety standards.
• Ensure consistent food quality and presentation across dining environments.
• Approve final dish checks and oversee plate presentation for guests.
• Lead and discipline kitchen staff, including chefs and scullery team.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Mentoring

Operational skills

Staff development

Job description

Head Chef – Luxury Lodge – Hoedspruit

Salary: R29,100 (Live-in)

Kendrick Recruitment is recruiting for an experienced and dynamic Head Chef to join a prestigious luxury lodge in the Hoedspruit area. This is a senior kitchen leadership role suited to a hands-on professional with strong operational, administrative, and mentoring skills, capable of delivering exceptional culinary standards across multiple dining environments.

Key Requirements

• Minimum of 4-5 years' experience in a similar Head Chef role within a luxury lodge or high-end hospitality environment
• Proven experience managing à la carte service for up to 165 guests, including buffet service and outdoor functions
• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills
• Creative approach to menu development and current food trends
• Calm; composed, and effective under pressure
• High level of attention to detail and refined presentation standards
• Ability to mentor, coach, and develop kitchen staff
• Valid driver's licence

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily running of the kitchen in collaboration with the Executive Chef
• Maintain exceptional levels of cleanliness and hygiene within the kitchen
• Manage full kitchen inventory, stock control, and procurement in line with health and safety standards
• Oversee food preparation and ensure consistent quality and presentation
• Approve and conduct final checks on dishes before service to guests
• Supervise and discipline kitchen staff, including chefs and scullery team
• Manage dietary requirements and special guest requests
• Ensure all set-up requirements for dining services and functions are completed on time
• Manage the kitchen pass, including expediting hot, cold, and pastry sections
• Oversee à la carte, buffet, and outdoor catering operations
• Handle guest feedback and resolve any kitchen-related complaints professionally
• Manage rosters and staffing requirements
• Oversee scullery operations and kitchen cleaning programmes
• Ensure recipe consistency, product knowledge, and prep-list execution
• Conduct purchasing, invoice capturing, stock takes, and daily and month-end reporting
• Manage kitchen equipment maintenance and preventative repair programmes