Head Chef Luxury Game Lodge, Sabi Sands Salary: Negotiable DOE | Live-In Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an exceptional Head Chef for a renowned luxury game lodge in the Sabi Sands. This role requires a creative, experienced, and highly organised culinary leader who can deliver world-class dining experiences while managing all kitchen operations with precision, innovation, and professionalism. Position Purpose: The Head Chef will oversee all culinary operations, leading the kitchen team to produce outstanding meals that reflect the standards of a luxury safari lodge. This includes menu development, guest engagement, team development, operational efficiency, hygiene compliance, stock control, and financial management. Key Performance Areas & Responsibilities Kitchen Operations & Food Preparation: Lead, mentor, and train the kitchen team to deliver consistently high-quality meals Design and implement seasonal, innovative menus inspired by global trends and local influences Ensure portion control, food presentation, and fine-dining standards are maintained Oversee efficient food preparation with strict adherence to dietary and allergy requirements Conduct regular quality checks on taste, appearance, and service timeliness Guest Experience & Service: Engage with guests to understand preferences and feedback Ensure meals are beautifully presented and aligned with luxury lodge expectations Work with Front of House and Management to personalise culinary offerings Proactively manage guest feedback, requests, and complaints Team Leadership & Staff Development: Identify high-potential staff and mentor them for future growth Implement structured training plans and foster a culture of learning Conduct quarterly performance appraisals with developmental feedback Enforce discipline and maintain high professional standards Kitchen Administration & Financial Management: Manage stock, wastage, cost control, and reporting to budgetary targets Conduct accurate stocktakes and ensure compliance with procurement policies Prepare annual kitchen budgets and monitor monthly performance Ensure food costs align with agreed budgets without compromising quality Health; Safety & Hygiene: Enforce strict hygiene and HACCP protocols Maintain cleanliness and ensure functionality of all kitchen equipment Train staff on chemical safety, hygiene standards, and safe food handling Uphold fire safety, health, and hygiene policies Sustainability & Community Impact: Champion sustainable sourcing and waste management practices Promote partnerships with local farmers and artisans Encourage participation in environmental and community programmes Human Resources & Scheduling: Manage team leave, overtime, and attendance Assist other departments as needed Ensure compliance with labour legislation in scheduling and performance management Leadership & Culture: Foster a positive, respectful, and high-performance team culture Lead by example in professionalism, time management, and guest interaction Encourage inter-departmental collaboration and support sister properties Knowledge & Competencies: Extensive culinary knowledge including international cuisine and fine dining Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, cost control, and menu engineering Excellent financial understanding including budgeting and P&L analysis Ability to create and maintain SOPs and training materials Strong communication skills and meticulous attention to detail Skills: Proven leadership and mentoring capability Creativity and adaptability under pressure Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills Proficiency in Microsoft Office and POS stock control systems Qualifications & Experience: Formal culinary qualification (Diploma or higher) Minimum 5 years experience as a Head Chef, ideally in a luxury lodge or fine-dining environment Strong experience in menu design, budgeting, and team development Excellent time management and ability to work under pressure Maximising Impact as a Member of the Lodge Team: Strong guest-focused approach, aligned with luxury hospitality standards Honest, clear communication and a collaborative spirit High emotional control, professionalism, and adaptability Strong initiative, creativity, and commitment to excellence Patience, tolerance, and ability to accept constructive feedback Ability to work accurately in high-pressure environments If anyone is interested in applying for this role, they are encouraged to submit their CV for consideration.
