<h1>EXECUTIVE CHEF | 5-Star Boutique Beach Hotel | Dolphin Coast (KZN)</h1><p><strong>Location:</strong> Northern KZN (Durban North / North Coast candidates preferred)<br><strong>Start:</strong> <strong>Nov / Dec 2025</strong><br><strong>Salary:</strong> <strong>Market-related, live-out</strong> (with Medical Aid & Provident Fund contributions)<br><strong>Type:</strong> Full-time, on-site | Boutique luxury, 7 ocean-view rooms + private villa</p><h2>The Opportunity</h2><p>Perched above the Indian Ocean, this intimate, design-forward beach property is seeking an <strong>Executive Chef</strong> to define and lead its culinary identity. Youll enjoy real creative freedom, a tight, motivated brigade, and the chance to craft seasonal, ingredient-driven menus that pair coastal elegance with contemporary technique and wellness-minded dining.</p><h2>Key Responsibilities</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Menu Leadership:</strong> Conceive and deliver <strong>innovative, seasonal menus</strong> that showcase local, sustainable produce; balance la carte, tasting, villa/private dining, breakfast/brunch, and event offerings.</p></li><li><p><strong>Kitchen Excellence:</strong> Standardise recipes, plating guides, GP targets, portioning and pass control; ensure speed of service and consistency befitting a 5 boutique property.</p></li><li><p><strong>People & Culture:</strong> <strong>Lead, mentor, and upskill</strong> a small kitchen team; implement training calendars, performance reviews, and succession planning; model calm, hands-on leadership.</p></li><li><p><strong>Guest Connection:</strong> Engage confidently with guests at key service points and special experiences; collaborate with FOH on pairing notes and dietary journeys.</p></li><li><p><strong>Commercial Stewardship:</strong> Own <strong>food cost</strong>, waste control and procurement; manage supplier relationships and quality; deliver accurate stock counts, GRVs, and month-end packs.</p></li><li><p><strong>Compliance & Care:</strong> Enforce <strong>HACCP / hygiene</strong> standards; maintain equipment care logs; champion safety, sustainability, and energy-smart kitchen practices.</p></li><li><p><strong>Brand & PR:</strong> Act as a <strong>culinary ambassador</strong> when needed (chefs table moments, content support, occasional media).</p></li></ul><h2>What Youll Bring</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Proven headship</strong> as <strong>Executive Chef or Head Chef</strong> in a <strong>leading 5 boutique hotel, luxury game lodge, or top-tier restaurant</strong> (essential), with a <strong>stable, consistent track record</strong>.</p></li><li><p>Sharp, contemporary palate with fluency in <strong>modern plating, produce-led cuisine, and wellness-forward menus</strong>; confident pastry basics advantageous for a boutique team.</p></li><li><p>Credible <strong>leadership and mentorship</strong>, excellent communication, and a composed, solutions-driven style in a small, exacting environment.</p></li><li><p>Commercial acumen: demonstrated control of <strong>GP/COS</strong>, waste, purchasing and supplier negotiations.</p></li><li><p>Working knowledge of <strong>MS Office and POS/inventory systems</strong>; strong admin discipline (spec sheets, prep lists, allergen logs, temp controls).</p></li></ul><h2>Nice to Have</h2><ul><li><p>Experience opening/refining boutique concepts; villa/private dining choreography.</p></li><li><p>Strong wine-pairing intuition and collaboration with FOH/Sommelier.</p></li><li><p>Sustainability credentials (low-waste workflows, local sourcing networks).</p></li></ul><h2>Package & Work Setup</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Salary:</strong> Market-related, <strong>live-out</strong>.</p></li><li><p><strong>Benefits:</strong> Contributions to <strong>Medical Aid</strong> and <strong>Provident Fund</strong>.</p></li><li><p><strong>Environment:</strong> Boutique 5 coastal property; collaborative leadership culture; clear growth runway for a chef who wants to <strong>own the culinary narrative</strong>.</p></li></ul><h2>How to Apply</h2><p>Email your <strong>CV</strong>, a concise <strong>portfolio</strong> (sample menus, plating images, food-cost achievements), and <strong>contactable references</strong>. Please include <strong>current salary</strong>, <strong>notice period</strong>, and <strong>location</strong>.</p><p>? <strong>Please Note:</strong> If you do not receive feedback within <strong>7 working days</strong>, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.</p>