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Kerridge Commercial Systems
Hogarth
Kerridge Commercial Systems
A culinary lodge in Pretoria is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead kitchen operations and food preparation. The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of experience in a similar role, preferably in a luxury setting, and possess a formal chef qualification. Responsibilities include designing innovative menus, managing team development, ensuring hygiene standards, and controlling kitchen budgets. This position also requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work under pressure while maintaining high-quality food standards.
Lead and train the kitchen team to deliver consistent, high-quality meals in line with lodge and brand expectations.
Design and implement seasonal, innovative, and globally inspired menus that reflect both local culture and guest preferences.
Ensure strict portion control and presentation consistency to meet fine dining standards.
Oversee food preparation, ensuring efficiency, hygiene, and attention to dietary and allergy requirements.
Conduct quality checks on food taste, appearance, and service timeliness.
Engage with guests to understand preferences, gather feedback, and accommodate special dietary requirements.
Ensure guest meals (plated and buffet) are presented beautifully, in keeping with luxury lodge aesthetics.
Collaborate with Front of House and Management to personalise culinary offerings based on guest profiles.
Proactively manage guest complaints, preferences, and feedback loops to continuously improve.
Identify high-potential team members and mentor them for future growth.
Implement training plans using internal and external trainers; maintain a culture of continuous development.
Conduct quarterly performance appraisals with meaningful feedback and action plans.
Enforce discipline and maintain professional standards in line with company HR policies.
Assume full responsibility for all kitchen stock, wastage, variances, cost control, and reporting.
Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly food costs meet budgetary targets without compromising quality.
Conduct accurate stocktakes and ensure compliance with procurement and inventory policies.
Prepare annual departmental budgets and monitor monthly performance against forecast.
Enforce hygiene and HACCP protocols across all kitchen operations.
Ensure cleanliness and functionality of kitchen equipment; report and follow up on maintenance issues.
Train staff on safe use of chemicals and food handling practices.
Uphold fire safety, health, and hygiene policies and ensure full team compliance.
Champion sustainable practices in food sourcing, waste management, and energy use.
Promote local sourcing and support of nearby farmers and artisans where possible.
Encourage staff and guests to engage in the property’s environmental and community programmes.
Monitor and manage team leave, overtime, and attendance.
Support staff in other departments as required, based on lodge priorities.
Stay abreast of local labour law and ensure compliance in rostering and performance management.
Set the tone for a positive, respectful, and driven team culture.
Act as a role model for professional appearance, time management, and guest engagement.
Foster collaboration across departments and between sister properties.
Remain flexible to operational needs, including schedule changes and inter-department support.
Grade 12
Formal Chef qualification (Diploma or higher).
Minimum 5 years in a similar Head Chef role, preferably in a luxury lodge or fine-dining setting.
Excellent time management and ability to work under pressure.
Demonstrated experience in menu design, budgeting, and team development.
Advanced culinary knowledge including international cuisine, fine dining, and dietary requirements.
Stock and supply chain procedures, food safety, HACCP, and cost control.
Menu engineering and sustainability in culinary operations.
Financial principles including budget forecasting and P&L interpretation.
Written documentation, SOPs, and training material creation.
Leadership and mentoring of diverse culinary teams.
Attention to detail in food preparation, presentation, and hygiene.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
High adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving ability.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and POS stock control systems.
* El índice de referencia salarialse calcula en base a los salarios que ofrecen los líderes de mercado en los correspondientes sectores. Su función es guiar a los miembros Prémium a la hora de evaluar las distintas ofertas disponibles y de negociar el sueldo. El índice de referencia no es el salario indicado directamente por la empresa en particular, que podría ser muy superior o inferior.