Head Chef | Small Luxury Lodge | Limpopo

HotelJobs; Hoedspruit; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs is partnering with a five-star luxury private game lodge in the Greater Kruger to recruit a Head Chef. You will design seasonal menus, lead a small team, and deliver personalised meals for an international clientele.

Scope includes in-room dining, al fresco bush breakfasts, and elegant evening dining, with strict adherence to HACCP and budgeting while maintaining top-tier food safety and guest satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary qualification (Diploma or higher).
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as Head Chef in a luxury 5* lodge or fine-dining environment.
• Proven ability in menu design, seasonality, and innovative culinary concepts.
• Strong leadership and team development skills within a diverse kitchen team.
• Extensive knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and kitchen hygiene standards.
• Solid financial acumen, including cost control, stock management, and budgeting.
• Excellent guest engagement skills with the ability to personalise dining experiences.
• High adaptability, creativity, and the ability to perform under pressure.
• A stable background with contactable references

Responsibilities

• Design and drive seasonal menus that reflect the spirit of the African bush.
• Lead a small, dedicated team to deliver outstanding, personalised meals for a discerning international clientele.
• Manage kitchen costs and procurement with precision.
• From in-room dining to open-air breakfasts and evening dining, ensure exceptional guest experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Guest engagement

Menu design

Creativity

Adaptability

Education

Diploma or higher in culinary arts

Tools

HACCP

Stock management

Budgeting

Job description

? ?? ??????????? ??????????? is partnering with an iconic, 5-star luxury private game lodge in the Greater Kruger to recruit a creative, passionate, and technically accomplished ???? ???? . Our client is an intimate luxury safari lodge affiliated with a luxury hotel brand. The lodge offers guests an all-day dining experience, expert-led game drives, and immersive bush experiences including open-air breakfasts in the wild and evening braais under the stars. The culinary offering is central to the lodge’s identity — intimate, inspired, and deeply connected to the landscape and season. The Head Chef will take full ownership of the kitchen and dining experience at this exclusive lodge, leading a small, dedicated team to deliver outstanding, personalised meals for a discerning international clientele. From curated in-room dining and alfresco bush breakfasts to elegant evening dinners, every meal is an occasion. The successful candidate will design and drive seasonal menus that reflect the spirit of the African bush, maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, and manage kitchen costs and procurement with precision. A genuine passion for exceptional food and the ability to create memorable, personal dining moments are essential.

• Formal culinary qualification (Diploma or higher).
• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Head Chef in a luxury 5* lodge or fine-dining environment.
• Proven ability in menu design, seasonality, and innovative culinary concepts.
• Strong leadership and team development skills within a diverse kitchen team.
• Extensive knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and kitchen hygiene standards.
• Solid financial acumen, including cost control, stock management, and budgeting.
• Excellent guest engagement skills with the ability to personalise dining experiences.
• High adaptability, creativity, and the ability to perform under pressure.
• A stable background with contactable references

A food portfolio must be submitted with your application that clearly displays your creativity, innovation, and attention to detail. (All images will be checked to ensure ownership)

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Although we appreciate all applications received, we will only reply to those candidates who have the background and experience required. Thank you.