Lead Culinary Chef - Fine Dining

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentive

Medical aid

Pension plan

Employee discounts

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Culinary Chef for a prestigious hotel in George, Western Cape. You will direct the fine dining restaurant, steer menu development, manage a motivated kitchen brigade, and ensure top-quality food presentation and service in a coastal setting.

The role emphasizes leadership, culinary creativity, and operational excellence, with opportunities to participate in high-profile promotions and events while upholding exceptional guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years as Head Chef or Sous Chef in fine dining or high-end restaurants.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design and execute innovative fine dining menus.
• Lead, train and manage the kitchen team for peak service.
• Oversee kitchen operations to ensure smooth service during busy periods.
• Manage food costs, inventory and supplier relationships.
• Maintain hygiene, food safety and sanitation per regulations.
• Develop standardized recipes and plating guidelines for consistency.
• Collaborate with F&B Manager and Executive Chef on menus and events.
• Stay ahead of culinary trends to elevate the dining experience.

Skills

Leadership

Menu design

Inventory management

Food safety

Kitchen operations

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious hotel in the heart of George , Western Cape, is seeking an innovative and highly skilled Lead Culinary Chef to direct their fine dining restaurant. This role is for a culinary artist who is passionate about creating exquisite gastronomic experiences and leading a motivated kitchen brigade. The successful candidate will be responsible for menu development, kitchen operations, inventory management, and upholding the highest standards of food quality and presentation. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your culinary creativity and leadership in a stunning coastal setting, contributing significantly to the establishment's reputation for excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute innovative and high-quality menus for the fine dining restaurant.
• Lead, train, and manage the kitchen team, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment.
• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring smooth service during peak hours.
• Manage food costs, inventory, and supplier relationships to maximize profitability and quality.
• Maintain impeccable standards of hygiene, food safety, and sanitation in the kitchen, adhering to all regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement standardized recipes and plating guidelines to ensure consistency.
• Collaborate with the F&B Manager and Executive Chef on menu planning, promotions, and special events.
• Continuously research culinary trends and techniques to elevate the dining experience.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to kitchen staff.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in a fine dining or high-end restaurant setting.
• Demonstrated culinary expertise with a strong understanding of various cooking techniques and global cuisines.
• Proven experience in menu engineering, costing, and inventory management.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• A strong commitment to food quality, presentation, and guest satisfaction.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of HACCP and other food safety regulations.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Must reside in or be willing to relocate to the George area.

Benefits

• This position offers a competitive salary.
• A performance-based incentive program.
• Medical aid contributions.
• Pension fund participation.
• Access to employee discounts at the hotel’s facilities.
• Supportive work environment and encouragement of professional growth, including opportunities to attend industry events and further training.
• Beautiful Western Cape region offering a fantastic lifestyle.