Italian Kitchen Lead & Menu Architect

Helderberg Personnel; Franschhoek; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Job summary

Helderberg Personnel in Franschhoek invites applications for a Head Chef role responsible for leading and managing a busy kitchen, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation and hygiene across all menus. You will design menus reflecting the Italian-inspired offerings, train staff, control food costs and stock, and maintain excellent supplier relationships in a high‑end hospitality environment.

This hands-on leadership position requires calm under pressure, strong organisation and a

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in a busy upmarket establishment (~80 covers).
• Excellent culinary skills with a flair for Italian cuisine.
• Open-kitchen experience is advantageous.
• Strong menu development and food-costing knowledge.
• Experience managing food costs, stock control and supplier relationships.
• Excellent leadership, with ability to motivate and develop a small kitchen team.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Focus on customer satisfaction and culinary excellence.
• Adherence to health, food safety and hygiene standards.
• Honest, hardworking, reliable with strong responsibility.
• Ability to stay calm and effective in a high-pressure environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage kitchen operation to maintain high standards.
• Create and develop menus reflecting each entity's style.
• Train kitchen staff in menu preparation and presentation.
• Control food costs and manage stock within budgets.
• Oversee stock ordering and monthly stock counts.
• Maintain supplier relationships and ensure quality.
• Ensure health, safety and hygiene standards are met.
• Monitor dish quality, consistency and presentation.
• Lead by example with hands-on leadership in a busy environment.
• Deliver customer satisfaction and culinary excellence.

Skills

Head Chef

Sous Chef

Menu Development

Food Costing

Stock Control

Supplier Relationships

Leadership

Open Kitchen

Italian Cuisine

Hygiene Standards

Job description

Helderberg Personnel in Franschhoek invites applications for a Head Chef role responsible for leading and managing a busy kitchen, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation and hygiene across all menus. You will design menus reflecting the Italian-inspired offerings, train staff, control food costs and stock, and maintain excellent supplier relationships in a high‑end hospitality environment.

This hands-on leadership position requires calm under pressure, strong organisation and a