South Africa: ZMO 17538 – Executive Chef

Employer Description Hotel in Drakensburg, KZN Job Description A luxury hotel nestled in the Drakensburg is seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead its culinary team in 2026. This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned professional who thrives in a high‑volume, guest‑centric environment and brings both creativity and operational discipline to the kitchen. Key Responsibilities Oversee all kitchen operations , ensuring excellence in food quality, presentation and consistency Lead and mentor the culinary team with a focus on training, development and performance Menu planning and innovation across buffet service and a small a la carte offering Cost control and budgeting , including recipe costing, stock management and supplier negotiations Minimize wastage through efficient systems, portion control, and sustainable kitchen practices Maintain strict hygiene and safety standards in line with HACCP and hotel policies Deliver exceptional guest experiences , including personalized meals for guests with special dietary requirements Collaborate with F&B leadership to ensure seamless service and operational alignment Qualifications Formal culinary qualification from a recognised institution (Diploma or higher) Minimum 57 years experience in senior kitchen management within a hotel environment Strong Food & Beverage knowledge with proven buffet and a la carte experience Excellent administrative capability including ordering, stock control, scheduling and reporting Skills Creative culinary flair with the ability to design guest‑focused, memorable dishes Exceptional guest‑service mindset and willingness to go above and beyond for dietary needs Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to inspire and guide a diverse team Benefits Provident fund (50/50 contribution) Medical Aid contribution On‑site accommodation All meals provided while on duty