Executive Chef

Executive Chef – Luxury Private Game Lodge – North West

Salary: R24,000 (Live-in)

Kendrick Recruitment is recruiting for an accomplished and professional Executive Chef to lead all kitchen operations at a luxury private game lodge in the North West. This senior role requires a strong leader who delivers consistently high culinary standards while fostering a respectful, well-managed, and positive kitchen environment.

Purpose of the Role

The Executive Chef is responsible for the effective management and leadership of all kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, compliance with food safety legislation, and the creation of a professional and supportive working culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Overall management of all kitchen operations, including multiple kitchens on the property

• Menu planning and development, including the accommodation of dietary requirements and allergies

• Preparation and presentation of high-quality guest meals and staff meals

• Training, supervision, performance management, and discipline of kitchen staff in line with company policies

• Creating and maintaining a respectful, productive, and positive kitchen environment

• Ensuring compliance with food safety, hygiene, health and safety legislation, and audit requirements

• Maintaining cleanliness and organisation of all kitchen, storage, and scullery areas

• Managing stock control, ordering, stock takes, and minimising food wastage

• Managing kitchen budgets and controlling food costs

• Ensuring all kitchen equipment is maintained and in good working order

• Preparing duty rosters and managing staffing requirements

• Liaising closely with Front of House to ensure seamless service delivery

• Engaging with guests to ensure satisfaction and professionally addressing feedback

Minimum Requirements

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef within a high-end lodge, hotel, or restaurant environment

• Relevant professional culinary qualification

• Strong leadership, organisational, and people management skills

• Sound knowledge of South African food safety, hygiene, and labour legislation

• Experience in kitchen administration, stock control, and budgeting

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced hospitality environment

• Strong commitment to professional conduct, teamwork, and company values

Work Schedule and Benefits

• 36 days on, followed by 12 days off

• 21 days annual leave, taken in separate periods as operationally convenient

• Private room and bathroom in the on-site staff village

• Three staff meals per day

• Laundry and room cleaning services provided

• Free Wi-Fi

• Uniform provided

• Medical Aid contribution after successful completion of the probation period

• 16 staff-rate bed nights per year for friends and family

Candidates who meet the above requirements are encouraged to submit their CV to Kendrick Recruitment to apply for this role.