Head Chef

Pay

R 40 000 – R 50 000 per month

Type

Permanent

Experience

3–5 years

Level

Management

Sector

Hospitality & Catering

Closes

in 30 days

Recruiter

Hospitality Jobs Africa · All jobs at Hospitality Jobs Africa

About the role

We are recruiting a qualified Head Chef with a five-star hospitality background for an exclusive, privately operated VIP luxury wellness retreat in the Karoo.

The property comprises ten expansive luxury tented suites, each measuring approximately 320m² and offering privacy, comfort and personalised service.

Guests enjoy individually tailored wellness experiences, including personalised dining and dietary menus. The culinary team must deliver consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service.

Set within a natural wilderness, the retreat is home to the Big Five, more than 100 bird species and indigenous fauna and flora.

We are looking for a hands-on culinary leader who can take full responsibility for kitchen operations, develop personalised menus, lead the kitchen team and deliver refined dining experiences for discerning VIP guests.

• Taking full responsibility for kitchen operations and the delivery of personalised dining experiences.
• Developing menus that reflect the retreat’s luxury wellness offering, seasonal ingredients and guest preferences.
• Overseeing food preparation, cooking and plating to ensure consistent quality and presentation.
• Leading kitchen service and maintaining high culinary standards across all dining offerings.
• Managing, guiding and training kitchen staff, including coordinating rosters and daily responsibilities.
• Preparing meals that accommodate dietary requirements, allergies and guest preferences.
• Coordinating private dining, room service and special-occasion meals with the guest-service team.
• Maintaining food safety, hygiene and kitchen cleanliness standards.
• Managing stock control, purchasing, supplier relationships, storage and stock rotation.
• Controlling kitchen budgets, food costs, portion sizes and wastage.
• Ensuring kitchen equipment is used correctly and coordinating maintenance requirements.
• Working closely with other departments to ensure timely and seamless dining service.

What they're looking for

• A recognised culinary qualification is essential.
• Previous experience within a five-star hotel, luxury lodge or similarly exclusive hospitality environment is essential.
• Proven experience at Head Chef level, with responsibility for kitchen operations and team leadership.
• Strong menu-development and cooking skills, with a sound understanding of refined food presentation.
• Experience creating personalised menus and accommodating dietary requirements and food allergies.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• A hands-on approach and the ability to work calmly under pressure.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to consistent food quality.
• Sound knowledge of food safety, kitchen hygiene, purchasing, stock control and kitchen budget management.
• Flexibility to work hospitality shifts and adapt to guest dining requirements.
• Own transport is essential.

BENEFITS

• Live-in position
• Private accommodation (bedroom, small living area, en-suite bathroom and kitchen)
• Access to company vehicle transport into town

What's on offer

• Live-in position
• Private accommodation (bedroom, small living area, en-suite bathroom and kitchen)
• Access to company vehicle transport into town

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