South Africa: Executive Chef | Luxury Hotel | Maun, Botswana | Lb posted by Kendrick Recruitment

‍ Executive Chef | Luxury Hotel | Maun, Botswana ‍ Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced and visionary Executive Chef for a luxury hotel based in Maun, Botswana. This is an exceptional opportunity for a strong culinary leader to take full ownership of a recently revamped kitchen, equipped with modern facilities, and shape a high-performing culinary team. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving food excellence, operational efficiency, menu innovation and team development within a busy luxury hospitality environment. Location: Maun, Botswana Salary: R22,000 – R30,000 (Depending on Experience) Accommodation: Live-in / Hospitality environment ‍❤️‍ Chef couples welcome to apply ✨ Package Includes • Entry Level Medical Aid – Company covers 100% OR • Higher Level Medical Aid – Company contributes 50% • Pension Contribution • Performance Bonus: 50% paid before Christmas and remaining 50% paid 15th January • Bed nights / accommodation benefits ️ Role Overview The Executive Chef will be responsible for leading and restructuring the entire kitchen operation, ensuring high culinary standards, efficient workflows and an exceptional guest dining experience. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both creativity and strong operational management. The kitchen has recently been fully revamped with new equipment, offering an excellent opportunity to implement systems, structure and menus aligned with the Executive Chef’s vision. ‍ Key Responsibilities Culinary Leadership • Oversee all kitchen operations and culinary output • Design, implement and refine menus aligned with luxury hotel standards • Ensure consistency, quality and presentation across all dishes • Drive innovation while maintaining operational efficiency • Take full ownership of kitchen structure and systems Team Management • Lead a kitchen team of approximately 15 staff including Head Sous Chef, Sous Chefs, Cooks and Scullers • Restructure and organise the kitchen team as required • Train, mentor and develop staff to improve skill levels and performance • Foster a positive, disciplined and high-performance kitchen culture • Manage rostering, staffing and performance standards Operational Management • Oversee stock control, ordering and food cost management • Ensure effective waste control and portioning systems • Maintain hygiene, safety and HACCP compliance standards • Monitor kitchen efficiency and workflow improvements • Liaise with management regarding kitchen operations and costs ⭐ Guest Experience & Standards • Deliver a consistent luxury dining experience for all guests • Ensure dietary requirements and guest preferences are accommodated • Maintain high standards of plating, timing and presentation • Continuously improve guest satisfaction through culinary excellence Financial & Performance Management • Manage food costs and kitchen budgets effectively • Monitor supplier pricing and procurement standards • Contribute to revenue and performance targets where applicable • Support reporting on kitchen performance and efficiency ‍ Requirements • Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Head Chef in a luxury hotel or lodge environment • Strong leadership and kitchen management experience • Experience managing medium to large kitchen brigades • Strong understanding of food costing, budgeting and stock control • Ability to restructure and build efficient kitchen systems • Excellent knowledge of modern and classic culinary techniques • Strong organisational and operational skills • Ability to work under pressure in a high-volume environment • Hands-on, proactive and solution-driven approach Personal Attributes • Strong leader with a clear culinary vision • Creative, innovative and passionate about food • Calm and composed under pressure • Highly organised and detail-focused • Strong communicator and team builder • Firm but fair leadership style • Committed to excellence and continuous improvement ⏰ Working Environment • Luxury hotel kitchen environment with newly upgraded facilities • High-energy, hands-on operational role • 1 day off per week (usually Saturday or Sunday depending on occupancy) • Flexible and guest-driven working schedule • Dynamic hospitality environment requiring adaptability ✨ What’s on Offer • Opportunity to lead and restructure a fully refurbished kitchen • Strong benefits package including medical aid, pension and performance bonus • Supportive management structure with autonomy in kitchen design • Chef couple applications welcome • Competitive salary based on experience ⚠️ Please note: Due to the high volume of applications received, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 7 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.