Lead Michelin-Starred Restaurant Chef de Cuisine

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Relocation assistance

International exposure

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town invites a Lead Chef de Cuisine to oversee a flagship Michelin-starred kitchen. You will drive menu development, uphold gastronomy excellence, and mentor a talented brigade.

The role focuses on high standards, cost control, staff training, and collaboration with management and sommelier to craft exceptional dining experiences. Candidates should have 8+ years in progressive culinary roles, 3+ as Head Chef or Chef de Cuisine, and a culinary degree, with ability to work

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of progressive culinary experience with 3+ years in Head Chef/Chef de Cuisine at fine-dining level.
• Expertise in classical and modern techniques; strong leadership and communication.
• Proven ability to manage a high-pressure kitchen and large teams.
• Experience with food costing, inventory, budgeting and cost control.
• Commitment to sourcing local, seasonal ingredients and excellence in gastronomy.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the entire kitchen brigade, fostering creativity, precision, and teamwork.
• Develop and execute innovative, seasonal menus aligned with Michelin-starred status.
• Ensure top quality, presentation, and consistency across all dishes.
• Oversee inventory, ordering, waste reduction, and cost management.
• Enforce health, safety, and hygiene standards; collaborate with management and sommelier.
• Train kitchen staff and stay aligned with global culinary trends.

Skills

Head Chef

Chef de Cuisine

Menu development

Team leadership

Food costing

Inventory management

Hygiene standards

Classical & modern techniques

High-pressure kitchen

Education

Culinary degree

Tools

Kitchen management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a world-renowned culinary institution, is seeking an exceptional Lead Chef de Cuisine to oversee the operations of their flagship Michelin-starred restaurant in **Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA**. This pivotal role demands a visionary culinary leader with an impeccable palate, a passion for innovation, and a dedication to maintaining the highest standards of gastronomic excellence. You will be responsible for the entire kitchen operation, from menu development and execution to staff management and cost control. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of modern culinary techniques, a commitment to sourcing the finest local ingredients, and the ability to inspire a talented brigade of chefs. This is a unique opportunity to leave your mark on the international fine dining scene.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the entire kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of creativity, precision, and teamwork.
• Develop and execute innovative, seasonal menus that align with the restaurant's Michelin-starred status and culinary vision.
• Ensure the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency in every dish served.
• Manage all aspects of kitchen operations, including inventory control, ordering, and waste reduction.
• Implement and enforce strict health, safety, and hygiene standards in the kitchen.
• Control food costs and labor expenses to achieve financial targets without compromising quality.
• Collaborate with the Restaurant Manager and Sommelier to create seamless dining experiences.
• Conduct regular training sessions for kitchen staff to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Stay abreast of global culinary trends and incorporate them into the menu and kitchen practices.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 3 years in a Head Chef or Chef de Cuisine role at a Michelin-starred or equivalent fine-dining establishment.
• Demonstrated expertise in classical and modern culinary techniques.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and motivational skills.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, and kitchen budgeting.
• Proven ability to manage a high-pressure kitchen environment and large teams.
• Passion for sourcing and utilizing high-quality, seasonal, and local ingredients.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Impeccable hygiene and food safety standards.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to lead a world-class culinary team in **Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA**.
• Significant creative input and autonomy in menu development.
• Exposure to international culinary recognition and opportunities.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Relocation assistance may be available for exceptional candidates.