Eastern Cape: Senior Chef posted by Wild Dreams Hospitality

This is an exciting opportunity for a creative and hands-on culinary professional to take full ownership of the kitchen, delivering a world-class dining experience in a beautiful, remote setting within a beautiful game reserve. It is a small lodge that can accommodate a maximum of 10 guests, ensuring an intimate and personalised safari experience.

Candidate Responsibilities:

• Oversee all kitchen operations, including menu planning, food preparation, and service.
• Design and execute seasonal menus that highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
• Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene.
• Manage food costings, stock control, and monthly inventories.
• Lead, train, and motivate a small kitchen team to ensure efficient daily operations.
• Cater for special dietary requirements and private dining experiences.
• Collaborate closely with management to maintain guest satisfaction and uphold lodge standards.
• Ensure compliance with all health and safety, food handling, and kitchen sanitation regulations.

Candidate Requirements:

• Formal culinary qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a 4- or 5-star lodge.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Passion for creative, seasonal, and sustainable cooking.
• Ability to manage kitchen operations independently and work effectively under pressure.
• Willingness to live on-site in a remote environment and embrace lodge life.

This is a live-in position.