Head Chef

August 2026
Head Chef – The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa
The Gorge, a five-star award winning boutique Lodge, situated 30Km inland from Port Shepstone in Kwa-Zulu Natal, has a vacancy for a head chef. The Lodge has 8 rooms (16 guests) and can accommodate up to 40 guests for functions or special events. Breakfast & Dinner are served in our fine dining restaurant (Catharinas on 15) and lunch at our Bistro pool restaurant. Meals are also served in our boma, bush picnics and for high teas.
Summary of Job description:
• Keeping abreast with food trends
• Regular menu development & costing
• Maintaining kitchen policies & procedures
• Managing food control and wastage
• Daily menu planning (breakfast, lunch, dinner; high tea, events)
• Overseeing all food preparation & quality control
• Manage and lead at least 3 to 4 junior chefs
• Train and develop junior chefs
• Manage kitchen roster with off and leave days
• Maintain good stock control
• Maintain equipment maintenance

Experience, requirements & skills:

• Chef diploma, similar qualification from a reputable Cookery/Chef school

• At least 3-5 years in a Head Chef or Senior Sous chef position

• Previous experience in a 5-star boutique lodge or hotel essential

• Good wine knowledge & wine pairing

• Excellent organizational & people skills

• A passion for fine dining

• Pastry & baking experience beneficial

• Field to fork, utilizing locally grown & farmed ingredients as much as possible & promoting the same

• Good understanding of nutrition, food allergies and dietary restrictions.

• Self-motivated and disciplined

• Own reliable transport essential

Remuneration Package & Benefits:

• Salary: From R18 000 upwards, depending on qualifications and experience

• Accommodation provided