Head Chef - Luxury Wilderness Lodge (Live-In + Meals)

HotelJobs; Clanwilliam; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Meals provided

Professional development opportunities

Three-weeks-on; one-week-off cycle

Job summary

HotelJobs is seeking a dynamic Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a luxury wilderness lodge near Clanwilliam. You will manage daily operations, craft seasonal menus, and oversee breads, pastries, sausages, and desserts while ensuring top quality and guest satisfaction.

The ideal candidate has a recognised culinary qualification, 2–3 years in a high-end lodge/restaurant, strong leadership, and cost-control abilities. The role requires flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications

• Culinary qualification or equivalent is essential.
• 2–3 years of relevant culinary experience required.
• Experience in a high‑end lodge or restaurant is essential.
• Boutique establishment experience is an advantage.
• Strong leadership, communication, organisational and cost-control skills.
• Creative, flexible and able to work under pressure.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends and public holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations while sustaining high standards of food quality, flavour, and presentation.
• Develop creative seasonal menus balancing guest expectations, operations, quality and budget.
• Prepare and oversee homemade products (bread, pastries, sausages, desserts, gelato).
• Manage food costs, budgets, stock levels, ordering and supplier relationships.
• Monitor portions, wastage and stock rotation to support profitability.
• Maintain kitchen hygiene, food safety, cleanliness and equipment standards; ensure health & safety compliance.
• Mentor, motivate and train the kitchen team; plan schedules and allocate responsibilities.
• Keep menus fresh with current trends, seasonal ingredients and sustainable practices.
• Collaborate with the lodge team to deliver a seamless guest experience.

Skills

Menu planning

Leadership

Budget management

Food safety

Team training

Seasonal cooking

High-end dining

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

HotelJobs is seeking a dynamic Head Chef to lead the kitchen at a luxury wilderness lodge near Clanwilliam. You will manage daily operations, craft seasonal menus, and oversee breads, pastries, sausages, and desserts while ensuring top quality and guest satisfaction.

The ideal candidate has a recognised culinary qualification, 2–3 years in a high-end lodge/restaurant, strong leadership, and cost-control abilities. The role requires flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays.