South Africa: Head Chef – 5* Safari Lodge – Sabi Sands | Sl posted by HotelJobs

NEW Chef Vacancy Sabi Sands ? ? Head Chef Exclusive 5 Star Safari Lodge Sabi Sands (Lowveld) Live-in Role | Highly Competitive Salary & Benefits | Negotiable for the right candidate Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an exceptional Head Chef for a premier 5 star luxury safari lodge located within the Sabi Sands. This opportunity requires a highly skilled culinary leader who is passionate about refined dining, innovation, sustainability, and developing talent within a world-class hospitality environment. This role calls for a dynamic chef who thrives on creativity, consistency, and mentorship while shaping remarkable guest dining journeys aligned with luxury lodge standards. Key Responsibilities Kitchen Operations & Food Delivery Lead, inspire, and upskill the kitchen team to deliver exceptional meals of consistent quality Craft seasonal, innovative, and globally influenced menus tailored to guest expectations Enforce strict portion control, plating quality, and fine dining presentation standards Oversee food preparation efficiency, dietary management, and service punctuality Conduct continual quality checks on taste, aesthetics, and overall offering Guest Experience & Service Excellence Engage directly with guests to understand preferences and create personalised dining moments Ensure plated and buffet presentations reflect luxury lodge aesthetics Partner with management and FOH teams to curate memorable culinary experiences Monitor feedback loops, resolve complaints graciously, and adapt offerings proactively Team Leadership & Development Mentor and grow future culinary leaders Implement structured training programs supported by internal and external trainers Conduct quarterly performance reviews with actionable development plans Enforce HR discipline, professionalism, and brand-aligned kitchen culture Financial & Administrative Management Manage full kitchen budget, wastage control, stock rotation, and reporting obligations Maintain food cost targets without compromising quality Conduct stocktakes, ensure procurement compliance, and forecast budget requirements Health; Safety & Hygiene Uphold hygiene protocols, HACCP standards, and kitchen cleanliness Ensure equipment care and maintenance follow-up Train staff on safe handling practices, chemicals, and kitchen safety systems Sustainability & Community Responsibility Champion sustainable sourcing, waste management, and lodge environmental priorities Promote the use of local produce and supplier development Encourage staff and guests to engage with conservation and community-led programmes Culture & Leadership Presence Lead with professionalism, respect, time discipline, and guest-centric behaviour Collaborate across departments and support sister properties when needed Maintain flexibility regarding operational demands Requirements Recognised formal chef qualification (Diploma or higher) Minimum 5 years as a Head Chef in a 5* luxury lodge environment Proven menu engineering, budgeting, and kitchen leadership capability Strong food knowledge: local cuisine, international styles, dietary and allergy management Excellent leadership, mentoring, problem-solving skills, and resilience under pressure High-level organisational competence, attention to detail, and creativity Proficiency in MS Office and kitchen operating / stock control systems Package Highly competitive salary, negotiable for the right candidate Live-in accommodation with excellent benefits Work in a leading luxury hospitality environment with a strong culture of training, growth, and guest immersion To Apply Please submit your CV, contactable references, food portfolio and a recent head and shoulders photograph ASAP. ? Please Note: If you do not receive feedback within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.