South Africa: Breakfast Chef posted by Kendrick Recruitment

Breakfast Chef | Upscale Restaurant | Gansbaai, WC

Salary: R12,000 R15,000 DOE

A premium seaside hospitality establishment in Gansbaai is seeking an experienced Breakfast Chef to lead the breakfast kitchen. This role involves preparing, cooking, and presenting all breakfast menu items, overseeing buffet and boat service, and managing the breakfast kitchen team to ensure high-quality food and service standards. Candidates must be local to Gansbaai or willing to relocate.

Key Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Cooking

• Prepare and cook hot breakfast dishes, cold selections, freshly baked goods, la carte breakfast items, buffet offerings, and breakfast boat menus

• Maintain consistent taste, portion sizes, and presentation standards

• Follow recipes, portion control, and daily mise-en-place requirements

• Adjust menus and quantities according to occupancy and guest preferences

Buffet & Boat Service Management

• Set up and maintain daily breakfast buffet displays

• Prepare and package food for boat service

• Monitor buffet and boat food levels and replenish efficiently

• Ensure correct hot and cold holding temperatures

• Coordinate timing of boat orders for guest satisfaction

Staff Management & Leadership

• Supervise and manage breakfast kitchen assistants and junior staff

• Allocate daily duties and responsibilities for breakfast service

• Train junior staff on breakfast standards, plating, hygiene, and food safety

• Monitor staff performance and maintain discipline

• Lead the breakfast team to deliver efficient, high-quality service

Kitchen Operations

• Operate kitchen equipment safely and correctly

• Maintain a clean, organized breakfast kitchen and service area

• Monitor stock levels and place requisitions with the Head Chef

• Control food costs and minimise waste

• Set up and break down breakfast stations, buffets, and boat prep areas efficiently

Quality, Hygiene & Safety

• Uphold food safety and hygiene standards in line with regulatory requirements

• Follow HACCP principles and maintain accurate hygiene records

• Ensure safe handling of allergens and dietary requirements

• Conduct and record temperature checks for food and storage areas

Communication & Teamwork

• Collaborate closely with Head Chef, Sous Chef, kitchen team, front-of-house staff, and boat/service teams

• Communicate shortages, delays, or maintenance issues promptly

• Assist in other kitchen sections as needed for smooth operations

Guest Interaction

• Engage professionally with guests at buffet or open kitchen areas

• Handle special dietary requests courteously and efficiently

• Contribute to a welcoming and premium guest experience

Qualifications & Experience

• Culinary qualification or professional cooking certification preferred

• Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate Level 2 or higher

• 12 years experience as a Breakfast Chef, Line Cook, or similar role

• Experience in hotels, lodges, or upmarket hospitality establishments

• Proven experience with buffet-style breakfast service; room service or boat service experience advantageous

Skills & Competencies

• Strong breakfast cuisine knowledge and cooking skills

• Buffet presentation and replenishment expertise

• Ability to lead and manage a small team

• Excellent time management and organizational skills

• Ability to work under pressure and multitask effectively

• Attention to detail in food preparation and presentation

• Strong communication and teamwork skills

• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and allergen control

Personal Attributes

• Reside in or willing to relocate to Gansbaai

• Punctual and reliable for early-morning shifts

• Self-motivated and able to work independently

• Positive attitude with a passion for food and service excellence

• Professional, neat, and well-presented

• Strong leadership and team-oriented mindset