Plettenberg Bay: Head Chef posted by Craven Cottage CC

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and skilled Head Chef to join our team at Craven Cottage CC in Plettenberg Bay. As a key member of our culinary team, you will be responsible for leading kitchen operations, developing menus, and ensuring exceptional food quality and presentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, train and motivate the kitchen team to meet and exceed food preparation and presentation standards
• Direct daily kitchen operations to ensure smooth, efficient service
• Ensure clear communication within the kitchen, management and front of house
• Ensure stores are correctly managed, secured and maintained
• Develop creative, innovative menus aligned with the restaurant’s positioning and ethos
• Ensure all recipes can be consistently executed by the kitchen team
• Maintain high standards of presentation, flavour and portion control
• Handle culinary-related guest feedback and complaints professionally
• Hero craft brewery in menu development and food pairings
• Work with our gardeners in making full use of the organic kitchen garden and the production of excess garden produce for our onsite shop
• Ensure strict adherence to hygiene, food safety and kitchen protocols
• Maintain a safe, clean and well-organised kitchen environment at all times
• Ensure food labelling, storage and waste management procedures are followed
• Place orders timeously to avoid stock shortages or unnecessary wastage
• Source quality suppliers while monitoring pricing and product consistency
• Control food costs within set parameters
• Manage staffing levels in line with operational needs and budgets
• Ensure correct recruitment procedures are followed for kitchen staff
• Provide ongoing on-the-job training, coaching and development
• Conduct probation reviews and performance discussions timeously
• Apply fair, consistent and equitable discipline
• Ensure kitchen dress code and grooming standards are maintained
• Manage staff files and submit HR documentation within deadlines

Requirements

Relevant culinary qualification

Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Head Chef within an a la carte restaurant environment

Strong understanding of high volume, a la carte kitchen operations and service delivery

Proven leadership and people management capability

Sound commercial awareness with strong cost control skills

High standards of hygiene, organisation and attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure, as a team and lead by example

Qualifications

• Formal education/certifications (e.g. Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts)

Note: Since no formal education or certifications were mentioned in the original job description, this section is skipped.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary range will be discussed during the interview process.

Note: The salary range was not explicitly stated in the original job description, so this section is also skipped.