Head Chef- Restaurant (Pretoria, Irene)

HospitalityandOutdoor; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 254,000 - 304,000; Full time

Job summary

Hospitality and Outdoor in Pretoria is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead its kitchen team and oversee daily operations. You will drive menu development, ensure top quality, manage stock and costs, and train staff with a hands-on leadership approach.

The role requires strong leadership, impeccable organisation, and a proactive, hands-on management style to maintain high standards across breakfast, lunch and dinner service.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a Head Chef position.
• Strong menu development and food preparation skills.
• Excellent knowledge of stock control, ordering and food wastage management.
• Computer literate, with experience using stock management systems.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the kitchen team to ensure high culinary standards.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations and cost management.
• Develop menus and maintain food quality, hygiene and safety.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Menu development

Leadership

Food hygiene

Communication

Stock control

Education

Professional Cookery or Hospitality qualification

Tools

Stock management systems

Job description

Hospitality and Outdoor

Starting Date: December 2026

Establishment: Restaurant

Restaurant – Irene, Pretoria

Are you an experienced and passionate Head Chef looking for an exciting opportunity in Pretoria? Our client, an established restaurant in Irene, is seeking a hands‑on and motivated Head Chef to lead its kitchen team and oversee daily kitchen operations.

The restaurant offers a diverse, family-friendly menu featuring fresh local cuisine, Italian‑inspired dishes, American‑style grill favourites and pub‑style tapas, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. This is an excellent opportunity for a creative and commercially minded chef who can maintain high culinary standards while ensuring efficient kitchen operations.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for menu development, food quality, stock control and kitchen cost management. You will lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team, ensuring that all food preparation and service requirements are consistently met. Strong leadership, excellent organisational skills and a hands‑on management approach are essential.

Chef, Restaurant & Kitchen Job Requirements

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a Head Chef position.
• Professional Cookery or Hospitality qualification with a culinary focus.
• Strong menu development and food preparation skills.
• Excellent knowledge of stock control, ordering and food wastage management.
• Computer literate, with experience using stock management systems.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to delegate, train, develop and discipline kitchen staff.
• Hands‑on approach with the ability to perform all kitchen duties.
• Presentable, organised and a strong team player.
• Excellent personal and kitchen hygiene standards.
• Valid driver’s licence.

Package – Restaurant Head Chef

• Salary: R25,000 gross per month.
• Opportunity to lead and develop an established restaurant kitchen.
• Work with a diverse menu and experienced hospitality team.

Start Date: December 2026