Cape Town: Head Chef posted by Kendrick Recruitment

Kendrick Recruitment is now seeking a Training Head Chef for a prestigious luxury hotel and lodge group based in Cape Town. This is a dynamic and hands-on culinary leadership role that combines operational excellence with a passion for mentorship, training, and development. The ideal candidate will have strong culinary credentials, a desire to travel within South Africa, and a commitment to maintaining and elevating exceptional standards across multiple properties.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership:

• Lead and train kitchen teams at various lodge properties in accordance with the groups culinary directive.

• Ensure the highest standards of food quality, preparation, presentation, and hygiene.

• Maintain fridges, stores, and kitchen cleanliness in line with food safety standards.

• Control staff food in terms of cost, quality, and quantity.

• Conduct regular performance reviews and attend management meetings.

Kitchen Administration & Financials:

• Monitor kitchen stock levels, minimize shortages and wastage, and maintain cost controls.

• Ensure asset management by keeping all kitchen equipment in excellent working condition.

• Analyze and review monthly accounts and address problem areas efficiently.

Menu Development & Culinary Innovation:

• Implement and refine group menus across all outlets and properties.

• Ensure portion control and adherence to group presentation standards.

• Conduct quality checks to maintain consistency in flavor, appearance, and portion sizes.

Training, Development & Mentorship:

• Identify and develop potential talent within kitchen teams for growth opportunities.

• Lead the execution of training programs, both internally and externally facilitated.

• Conduct and document performance appraisals and developmental feedback sessions.

• Champion professional growth, performance management, and succession planning initiatives.

Rotation Between Properties:

• Spend one month at Upper Union Restaurant at the beginning of each two-month cycle for operations and menu planning.

• Travel to lodge properties every two months to guide, support, and implement culinary systems.

• Assist in mentoring Head Chefs and FOH teams at the properties, introducing updated systems and menus.

• Consolidate changes at Upper Union during the final weeks of the cycle.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 10 years in restaurant environments, including 5 years in a Head Chef position.

• FOH experience is essential.

• Strong leadership and team development abilities.

• Must have no dependents due to the travel-intensive nature of the role.

• Based in Cape Town and willing to travel extensively across properties.

• Own reliable transportation.

• High-level attention to detail, guest-focused, and strong interpersonal skills.

• Must be self-disciplined, adaptable, solutions-oriented, and able to perform under pressure.

• A copy of your food portfolio is required for application.

If you’re passionate about culinary excellence, mentoring future talent, and eager for a role that blends training, travel, and creativitysend your CV and food portfolio to Kendrick Recruitment today.