Head Chef

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.

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