South Africa: Head Chef – Elite 5* Lodge – Sabi Sands | Sl posted by Kendrick Recruitment

⭐ 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.