OCEAN - Executive Chef

Viking; uMhlathuze Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 975,000 - 1,462,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lodging provided

Meals provided

Unlimited Wi-Fi

Uniforms and laundry

Job summary

Viking seeks an experienced Executive Chef to lead our Galley operations aboard our ocean vessels. You will manage food production, cost controls, and menu standards while supervising a multicultural kitchen team to deliver premium hospitality experiences.

You will partner with Inventory and Hotel leadership to optimize procurement, training, and guest-centric food service. A 5–6 year background in luxury dining and strong English communication are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–6 years’ experience as an Executive Chef or similar in 5‑Star resort/hotel or premium restaurant environment.
• Fluent in English with excellent communication skills to interpret and articulate menus/recipes.
• Experience leading multi‑cultural teams; strong administration skills preferred; proficient with PC databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.
• Knowledge of Public Health and Sanitary Policies; able to maintain high hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage food production areas within set food-cost budgets and adhere to portion control charts.
• Collaborate with Inventory Manager on guest counts, itineraries, availability and usage of inventory.
• Upgrade food quality and presentation; host Kitchen Table events and demonstrations; follow culinary checklists regularly.
• Communicate with Inventory Manager on provisions, slow/mold items, and par levels; manage par levels and FIFO practices.
• Oversee Galley equipment maintenance and budget projections; report damages/malfunctions and manage procurement.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary expertise

English fluency

Budget management

Food cost control

Multicultural team leadership

Tools

PC‑based databases

Spreadsheets

Word processing

Job description

Viking (NYSE: VIK) is a global leader in experiential travel with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans five years in a row byCondé Nast Travelerin the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” byTravel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.

Role Overview

• Part of our Galley team on our Ocean vessels, the Executive Chef ensures the efficient operations of all food production areas, by consistently analyzing the food production quality & cost, keeping within budget and monitoring time management.
• The Executive Chef reports to Hotel General Manager.

Your Responsibilities

• Work within set food-cost budgets and follow the portion control chart accordingly and adjust food requisitions to avoid any possible overproduction.
• Share the overall responsibility of all food orders & consumption with the Inventory Manager in terms of Guest count, itinerary, availability & usage.
• Constantly strive to upgrade the food quality and presentation, host Kitchen Table events and cooking demonstrations; make use of culinary check lists on a frequent basis.
• Maintain direct communication with the Inventory Manager for provision related matters - slow and non-moving item lists, inventory, standard products, maintaining par levels, first in first out (FIFO).
• Ensure the maintenance and upkeep of all Galley equipment by overseeing the Annual Galley Equipment Budget Projection and documenting & reporting any damages/malfunctions to all relevant parties; and ordering, receiving, issuing & maintaining par levels, for the equipment store.
• Ensure that all menus, recipes, methods and specifications are adhered to, and spot-check all venues serving food on a daily basis to ensure that all food outlets & displays are in line with the quality & cleanliness of Viking’s Standards and all Public Health Policies.
• Regularly inspect Galley areas in conjunction with the Public Health Officer and Kitchen Steward, to ensure a clean and safe workplace.
• Lead and support a multi-cultural team, maximizing crew satisfaction, productivity, and retention; meet with Team Leaders on a daily basis.

WHY JOIN VIKING?

Elevate Your Career

Regardless of where you are on your career journey, Viking can help you in reaching new destinations with:

• Paid training program in skills and approach to premium hospitality services
• On-the-job coaching to help you advance rapidly
• A lifelong network of hospitality professionals from many different countries
• Internal transfer opportunities to River, Ocean and Expedition ships

On board our ship

• Lodging, meals, unlimited Wi‑Fi, uniforms, and laundry are free of charge for all crew members
• Single Accomodation
• Travel to/from the ship provided by Viking
• Crew-only deck, dedicated recreational spaces and activities
• Access to use the guest fitness center during certain hours

Employee Benefits

• Referral program
• Loyalty bonuses
• Tax-free salary

YOUR PROFILE

• A required minimum of 5-6 years’ experience as an Executive Chef or similar position, within a 5 Star Resort or Hotel and/or premium brand restaurant environment; advanced culinary skills are required
• Fluent in English - must have excellent English communication skills to clearly interpret and orate documents, such as menus and recipes. The ability to speak additional languages is an advantage.
• Must have experience in leading multi‑cultural teams; flexible, stress resistant, committed team player; strong administration skills are preferred and must be proficient with PC based databases, spread sheets, and word processing systems.
• Guest‑focused, service‑oriented, positive personality, professional appearance and impeccable hygiene standards are required, with a proven and comprehensive knowledge of all Public Health and Sanitary Policies, team builder with exceptional work ethic, motivational skills, and coaching abilities.
• Must be at least twenty‑one (21) years old, able to physically handle 50+ lbs. (30KGs) on a daily basis, and work a minimum of eleven hours a day, seven days a week.

APPLICATION AND JOB RELEVANT INFORMATION

Our roles will be subject to our appearance standards (including in relation to visible tattoos) and employees are expected to project a professional image at all times. Visible tattoos are not permitted. Tattoos concealed with make-up, skin-colored sleeves or any covering other than the company uniform will still be considered visible for the purposes of our appearance standards. Exemptions to this may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis where appropriate. Tattoo removal may not result in successful employment and therefore is not encouraged and is the candidate’s personal decision. Furthermore, any offer of employment is subject to you passing all mandatory medical examinations as required by the company.

DISCLAIMER

As part of any recruitment process, Viking collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data and to meeting our data protection obligations. If you would like to find out more about how your information will be used, please view the privacy notice on our careers page.