Head Chef

Permanent

Ref #19076-ZMO

zimkhithacv@pcs-sa.co.za
Employer Description
5-Star Luxury Game Lodge in Limpopo
Job Description

Our client is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen team in delivering efficient, cost-effective and consistently high-quality food service. Serving as Co-Head Chef, this role shares equal authority in shaping menus, maintaining standards and guiding the team. It requires strong culinary leadership, disciplined administration, careful stock control, excellent hygiene and a calm, hands-on approach to staff development.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Ensure that all menus are regularly reviewed and updated, with close attention to seasonal availability, guest preferences, dietary requirements and high-end standard of presentation.
  • Calculate menus accurately to support maximum gross profit, responsible cost control and minimal waste.
  • Train kitchen staff continuously in portion control, preparation standards, plating, presentation and consistency.
  • Maintain sufficient stock levels of all kitchen materials, ensuring that ingredients are received, recorded, rotated and stored under the correct conditions.
  • Assist with regular stock takes and ensure that variances, shortages and wastage are reported promptly.
  • Liaise with lodge management and the Co-Head Chef daily regarding guest requirements, VIPs, special occasions, dietary needs, private dining and functions.
  • Ensure that all statutory hygiene, health, food safety and sanitation requirements are diligently followed at all times.
  • Report maintenance concerns, equipment faults and safety risks promptly, and follow up where needed to protect kitchen efficiency and guest service.
  • Keep daily attendance registers and ensure that absenteeism, lateness or staffing concerns are reported to management without delay.
  • Ensure that all kitchen documents, invoices, stock records, attendance records and administrative forms are passed to management timeously for processing.
  • Ensure that all kitchen staff are correctly dressed, well groomed and presented in a manner that satisfies statutory requirements and enhances the image of the lodge.
  • Support fair discipline, teamwork, morale and clear communication within the kitchen team.
  • Maintain and continuously update personal culinary knowledge, leadership skills and operational understanding for the benefit of the establishment.
  • Promote responsible use of ingredients, sustainable practices, local sourcing where possible and creative approaches to reducing food waste.
Qualifications
  • Previous experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or strong Sous Chef in a lodge, hotel restaurant or similar hospitality environment.
  • Luxury lodge or fine dining experience will be advantageous.
  • Sound knowledge of menu costing, stock management, ordering and kitchen administration.
  • Strong understanding of hygiene, health and safety requirements.
  • Experience in staff training, supervision and daily kitchen coordination.
  • Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, public holidays and split shifts where required.
  • Computer literacy and basic administrative skills will be advantageous.
  • Valid driver’s license and own transport
Skills
  • Strong culinary ability with refined plating and presentation skills.
  • Excellent understanding of kitchen operations, stock control, costings and hygiene compliance.
  • Calm, respectful and consistent leadership style.
  • Ability to train, motivate and supervise a multicultural kitchen team.
  • Good communication with management, Front of House and other departments.
  • Attention to detail, punctuality and professional conduct.
  • Flexible approach to lodge operations, guest needs and changing service requirements.
  • Passion for luxury hospitality and personalized guest experiences
Salary/Package
Benefits
  • Accommodation
  • Meals in duty
  • 6 weeks in and 2 weeks off cycle
Job Post Expiration
2026-08-28

Interested in this Job?

When you select an option, a popup will appear with a form. Complete the form, and we’ll send your application or drop your friend a quick email with the job details.

Send to a friend

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Your Friends Name(Required)
Your Name(Required)