Executive Chef

An Executive Chef at a luxury 5-star game lodge in the Waterberg is responsible for leading the entire kitchen operation, delivering exceptional culinary experiences, maintaining luxury hospitality standards, and managing food cost and kitchen staff effectively. Duties and ResponsibilitiesKitchen & Culinary ManagementOversee all kitchen operations across the lodgeDesign and develop seasonal and luxury dining menusEnsure exceptional food quality, presentation, and consistencyPrepare fine dining meals in line with 5-star standardsCater for special dietary requirements and guest preferencesMaintain high levels of creativity and innovation in menu planningConduct food tastings and quality checksStaff ManagementLead, train, mentor, and supervise kitchen brigadeManage Chef de Partie, Sous Chefs, Pastry Chefs, and kitchen assistantsConduct staff performance management and trainingEnsure staff adhere to hygiene and safety proceduresCreate kitchen rosters and manage leave schedulesStock & Cost ControlManage food ordering and supplier relationshipsControl food cost percentages and wastageConduct monthly stock takes and inventory controlEnsure proper storage and rotation of stock (FIFO)Monitor kitchen budgets and expensesHygiene & ComplianceEnsure compliance with health and safety regulationsMaintain HACCP and food safety standardsEnsure cleanliness and organisation of all kitchen areasOversee equipment maintenance and kitchen inspectionsGuest ExperienceInteract with guests where requiredDeliver personalised dining experiencesHandle guest feedback and special requests professionallyAssist with bush dinners, boma dinners, and special eventsAdministrationMaintain recipe files and costing sheetsCompile kitchen reports and stock reportsAssist with budgeting and forecastingEnsure all kitchen administration is up to date