Senior Chef

HotelJobs; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs is assisting a family-run tented safari camp in the Eastern Cape to recruit a Senior Chef to lead the kitchen in a remote bush environment. This hands-on role requires creativity, consistency, and strong kitchen management.

Your leadership will ensure exceptional dining experiences for guests staying in a luxury camp. You will oversee daily operations, develop menus, manage stock and costs, and coordinate with front-of-house to guarantee seamless service.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Senior Chef or Sous Chef in luxury hospitality.
• Strong menu planning, food costing, and stock control.
• Solid hygiene and food safety knowledge.
• Ability to lead a small kitchen brigade.
• Willing to work in a remote bush lodge.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations and meal preparation.
• Maintain consistency and quality across all dishes.
• Assist with menu development in line with camp standards.
• Manage stock control, ordering, and requisitions.
• Uphold hygiene and food safety standards.
• Support junior kitchen staff.
• Coordinate closely with front-of-house for smooth service.
• Step in to cover kitchen management duties as needed.

Skills

Senior Chef / Sous Chef

Menu planning

Food costing

Stock control

Hygiene & safety

Leadership

Remote bush environment

Job description

An intimate, family-run tented safari camp in the malaria-free Eastern Cape is seeking a talented and reliable SENIOR CHEF to join their team. This is a hands-on role within a small, close-knit kitchen serving an intimate luxury camp. The ideal candidate will bring consistency, creativity, and strong kitchen management skills to a remote bush environment where flexibility and attention to detail are essential.

Core Criteria:

• Proven experience as a Senior Chef or Sous Chef within a luxury hospitality environment
• Strong understanding of menu planning, food costing, and stock control
• Solid grasp of kitchen hygiene, health, and food safety standards
• Ability to lead and support a small kitchen brigade
• Comfortable working in a remote, close-knit lodge setting
• Own transport not required, though a valid driver's licence is advantageous
• Available to start immediately

Core Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily kitchen operations and meal preparation
• Maintain consistency and quality across all dishes served
• Assist with menu development in line with camp standards
• Manage stock control, ordering, and requisitions
• Uphold hygiene and food safety standards at all times
• Support and guide junior kitchen staff
• Coordinate closely with front-of-house to ensure smooth service
• Step in to cover kitchen management duties as needed