South Africa: Head Chef – Luxury Lodge – Botswana | Lb posted by Kendrick Recruitment

About the Role

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the culinary operations at a luxury lodge in Botswana. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all kitchen sections, overseeing staff, maintaining food quality and hygiene standards, and ensuring an exceptional dining experience for guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the kitchen and all culinary sections, ensuring high standards of food quality, presentation, and hygiene
• Design and implement menus in line with the lodge’s culinary concept
• Supervise the production and service of food, including portion control and waste management
• Oversee staff canteen operations, ensuring nutritious and sufficient meals for all staff
• Monitor equipment and product care, minimising breakage and maintaining operational efficiency
• Administer orders to avoid shortages and minimise wastage
• Prepare pastry items as required, including breads, croissants, Danish pastries, ice-creams, sorbets, cakes, biscuits, and desserts
• Conduct effective handovers between shifts to ensure operational continuity
• Implement and maintain health, safety, and hygiene procedures to the highest standard
• Engage with guests where appropriate to enhance the dining experience
• Identify and mitigate potential risks within the kitchen
• Operate the kitchen cost-effectively within agreed budgets
• Communicate and collaborate with other departments to meet guest needs and operational requirements
• Train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff, supporting succession planning and multi-skilling initiatives
• Support sustainability initiatives and environmental practices within the lodge

Requirements

• 3-year Chef qualification or a minimum of 4 years’ experience in a similar leadership role
• Strong understanding of food costs and kitchen budgeting
• Wide culinary knowledge with the ability to design menus
• Awareness of dietary requirements and special requests
• Ability to train, manage, and lead a team effectively
• Knowledge of labour law, disciplinary procedures, and staff management
• Understanding of hygiene protocols, kitchen equipment, and safety procedures
• Familiarity with cleaning methods, firefighting equipment, and first aid
• Good computer literacy and administrative skills

Qualifications

• Formal education/certifications (Bachelor’s, LLB, Matric, etc.) are not mentioned in the original job description.

Salary & Benefits

Salary is negotiable and DOE (Depends on Experience).