Head Chef

The Royal Portfolio; Hoedspruit; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury hospitality company located in Limpopo, South Africa, is seeking an experienced Head Chef. The role involves menu development, managing kitchen operations and staff, and ensuring high guest satisfaction. Applicants should have at least 3 years' experience in a 5-star hotel or safari lodge kitchen, hold a qualification from a recognized Chef School, and possess strong leadership and communication skills. South African citizenship is advantageous if the candidate does not have a valid work permit.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience as Head Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or Senior Sous Chef.
• Experience in a 5-star hotel or safari lodge kitchen.
• Awareness of international food trends.

Responsibilities

• Create and develop the dining concept and food philosophy.
• Ensure high level of guest satisfaction.
• Manage Kitchen Department operations, budgets, and targets.
• Implement and train staff on menus and standards.

Skills

Menu development

Staff management

Leadership

HACCP knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Tertiary qualification from a recognised Chef School

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Teams

Job description

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and develop the dining concept and food philosophy
• Menu development, recipes, presentation guides, costings, etc.
• Guest Satisfaction – ensure consistently high level of positive customer reviews/ comments
• Overall management of the Kitchen Department operations, budgets and targets – ensure cost and wastage targets are met, if not exceeded and health & safety audits are always passed
• Uphold all Kitchen systems, standards, hygiene and service to the highest level
• Implementation and training on menus, presentation and standards on an ongoing basis
• Manage all Kitchen staff daily in terms of work allocation, performance, standards, disciplinaries, rosters, leave, skills development and training
• Be a confident delegator, an excellent leader and coach
• Must understand and live the Purpose & Values statement of The Royal Portfolio

REQUIREMENTS, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPECTATIONS

• Tertiary qualification from a recognised, accredited Chef School
• At least 3 years’ previous experience as Head Chef, Executive Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef required
• Experience in a 5* Hotel or Safari Lodge kitchen essential
• Computer literate, including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams
• Knowledge of HACCP, Hygiene, Health & Safety standards and best practices
• International travel a distinct advantage
• Awareness of international food trends

It is important that the candidate is able to work as part of a team and is a good cultural fit for The Royal Portfolio.
South African citizenship is advantageous. A valid work permit is essential if you are not in possession of a South African ID document.
It is a requirement of the Thornybush Nature Reserve is that all staff undergo a pre-employment polygraph test.