South Africa: Executive Chef – 5* Boutique Beach Hotel – Durban North | Sl posted by Kendrick Recruitment

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