Plettenberg Bay: Head Chef posted by South Cape Recruitment

March 23, 2026 Jobs in Garden Route

South Cape Recruitment

Western Cape

Other Tourism/Hospitality

Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and skilled Head Chef to join our team at Plettenberg Bay. As the culinary leader of our kitchen, you will be responsible for inspiring, leading, and developing a talented team of chefs, while maintaining high standards for food preparation, presentation, and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Inspire, lead, and develop a talented kitchen team, setting high standards for food preparation, presentation, and efficiency.
Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure seamless service for both regular dining and high-volume events.
Maintain clear communication across kitchen, management, and front-of-house teams.
Ensure inventory is managed, secured, and optimised.
Create innovative, seasonal menus that reflect the venue’s ethos and highlight in-house offerings, including the craft brewery and organic kitchen garden.
Ensure recipes are consistently executed to perfection.
Maintain excellence in flavour, presentation, and portion control.
Handle guest feedback professionally, turning every experience into a positive one.
Collaborate with the on-site gardeners to maximise fresh, sustainable produce usage and retail opportunities.
Uphold strict hygiene, food safety, and kitchen protocols at all times.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organised kitchen environment.
Oversee food labelling, storage, and waste management procedures.
Manage stock orders proactively to avoid shortages or wastage.
Source quality suppliers, monitor pricing, and ensure consistency.
Control food costs while optimising efficiency.
Align staffing levels with operational needs and budget requirements.
Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering professional growth and teamwork.
Conduct performance reviews and provide coaching for continuous improvement.
Maintain high standards of dress, grooming, and workplace conduct.
Ensure all HR documentation is accurate and submitted on time.
Assist in creating, costing, and executing bespoke menus for weddings, events, and outside catering.
Lead the kitchen team in delivering exceptional service and presentation for large-scale events.
Maintain strict cost controls and minimise wastage during special events.

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Requirements – Head Chef

Relevant culinary qualification from a recognised institution.
Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Head Chef in a high-end à la carte restaurant.
Strong understanding of high-volume, à la carte kitchen operations and seamless service delivery; capable of managing up to 400 guests during regular service and over 500 during special events.
Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and manage a professional kitchen team.
Sound commercial awareness and strong cost control skills.
Commitment to the highest standards of hygiene, organisation, and attention to detail.
Ability to work effectively under pressure, lead by example, and foster teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

No formal education or certifications are required for this position.

How to Apply

Click the green “Go Apply” button below to apply directly online with the employer.

About Other Tourism/Hospitality Jobs in Western Cape

The Western Cape is a thriving region for other tourism and hospitality careers, with a diverse range of industries catering to both local and international clients. Typically, this sector experiences steady growth due to the province’s reputation as a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year. Generally, job seekers in this field can expect to find employment opportunities across various sectors, from luxury hotels to outdoor adventure operators.

Salary ranges for careers in other tourism and hospitality vary widely depending on factors such as experience, company size, and industry sector. While broad salary expectations are difficult to pinpoint, it’s common for entry-level positions to fall within the R20 000 – R40 000 per month range, with more senior roles potentially exceeding R80 000 – R150 000 per month. However, these figures are highly variable, and actual salaries can differ significantly based on individual circumstances.

Common skills required for careers in other tourism and hospitality include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a strong attention to detail, and the ability to work well under pressure. Other essential skills often include language proficiency (especially English and Afrikaans), knowledge of local culture and customs, and experience with customer service or marketing. Additionally, having a basic understanding of financial management, conflict resolution, and team leadership can be beneficial in advancing one’s career.

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The Western Cape is home to various industries that commonly employ professionals in other tourism and hospitality, including the financial services sector, technology industry, manufacturing sector, and more. These sectors offer diverse opportunities for job seekers, from working as a concierge or tour guide to managing hotel operations or marketing campaigns.

Career development opportunities abound in this field, with common paths including taking on additional responsibilities, pursuing specialized training or certifications, and moving into management roles within existing companies. With experience and dedication, professionals can transition into senior leadership positions or explore entrepreneurial ventures, leveraging their expertise to build successful businesses in the Western Cape’s thriving tourism industry.

This information provides general career guidance. Actual salaries and requirements vary by employer.

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