Kitchen Ops Lead: Peak Service, Quality & Team Growth

iStaff (Pty) Ltd; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

iStaff (Pty) Ltd is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager/Head Chef to lead daily kitchen operations across shifts and ensure top-tier service during peak hours. You will supervise, train, and mentor kitchen staff while maintaining strict HACCP, health, and safety standards.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong problem-solving, and flexibility to work weekends and holidays in a fast-paced hospitality setting. You will also monitor inventory and waste to optimize costs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of kitchen management or head chef experience in a busy restaurant or hospitality environment.
• Experience in managing shift operations, inventory, and staff rosters.
• Strong leadership and hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility to work rotational shifts, weekends, and public holidays.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations across varying shifts, ensuring seamless service during peak hours
• Manage food production, quality control, and plate presentation standards
• Monitor stock control, inventory levels, and ordering while minimizing food waste
• Supervise, train, and mentor kitchen staff to maintain consistency and high morale
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, hygiene, and HACCP compliance standards

Skills

Team leadership

Staff management

Problem-solving

Shift management

Hands-on supervision

Tools

HACCP

Food safety certification

Job description

iStaff (Pty) Ltd is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager/Head Chef to lead daily kitchen operations across shifts and ensure top-tier service during peak hours. You will supervise, train, and mentor kitchen staff while maintaining strict HACCP, health, and safety standards.

The role requires hands-on leadership, strong problem-solving, and flexibility to work weekends and holidays in a fast-paced hospitality setting. You will also monitor inventory and waste to optimize costs.