Executive Chef

Recruiter:

Bright Search Recruitment (Pty) Ltd

Job Ref:

JHB002199/Jade

Date posted:

Friday, November 28, 2025

Location:

Graskop, South Africa

SUMMARY:

Diploma or degree in Professional Cookery, Culinary Arts, or equivalent from a recognized institution.
City & Guilds or equivalent certification preferred.
Minimum 5–7 years’ professional kitchen experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or executive chef role.
Valid Food Safety/Hygiene Certificate (HACCP knowledge essential).
High personal hygiene and presentation standards.
Knowledge of health and safety regulations, kitchen audits, and compliance with local food legislation.
Menu design & costings for lodge dining (bush breakfasts, boma dinners, fine dining plating).
Cost control, waste reduction, and ordering efficiency.
Procurement & stock control with limited deliveries. Planning essential.
Controlling the departmental budget by staying within the budget or motivating reasons for going over budget.
Ensure that stock rotation is adhered to.
Month end stock take, together with the stock controller.
Team leadership of multi-cultural kitchen staff and trainees.
Menu planning aligned with lodge budgets and guest expectations.
Training and mentoring of junior chefs, interns, and all kitchen staff.
Scheduling, delegation, and performance management.
Calm under pressure, organized, and solution driven.
Adaptable to remote living and bush conditions (limited connectivity, wildlife proximity, etc.).
Passion for sustainability and local sourcing is often highly valued.
Experience with special diets (vegan, gluten-free/celiac disease , etc.).
Computer literacy - Excel for stock control, menu costing and Plus point.
Training and mentorship experience and staff development programs
Ensure that discipline is maintained in your department.
Handle all disciplinary issues in conjunction with the Resident Manager.
Visit Camps at least twice a week and see that standards are being kept up.
Be on the “floor” on a regular basis and ensure that buffets are replenished and looking fresh.
Draw up leave roster for the staff in your department.
Performance management: monitor staff performance and provide feedback.
Ensure kitchen equipment faults are reported to the maintenance manager.
Valid driver’s licence and able to drive at night between camps when required

POSITION INFO:
Qualifications

Culinary Arts Diploma or Degree (City & Guilds or equivalent preferred).
Professional chef certification (advantageous).
HACCP or Health and Safety certification recommended.

Experience

5–10+ years professional kitchen experience.
At least 3–5 years in a senior role (Sous Chef or Executive Chef).
Experience in fine dining, luxury lodges, hotels, or high-volume establishments is highly beneficial.

Skills & Competencies

Exceptional culinary skills and creativity.
Strong leadership and team management ability.
Excellent understanding of kitchen operations and workflow.
Knowledge of costing, budgeting, and stock control.
Strong communication and organisational skills.
Ability to work under pressure and maintain high standards.
Knowledge of dietary needs, allergies, and modern culinary trends.

Personal Attributes

Passionate and innovative with a high attention to detail.
Calm, disciplined, and composed under pressure.
Results-driven and committed to excellence.
Strong work ethic and reliability.
Ability to mentor and uplift the culinary team.

Similar jobs you might be interested in:

Executive Chef
Location: Graskop
Salary:
Diploma or degree in Professional Cookery, Culinary Arts, or equivalent from a recognized institution.City & Guilds or equivalent certification preferred.Minimum 5–7 years’ professional kitchen experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or executive chef role.Valid Food Safety/Hygiene Certificate (HACCP knowledge essential).High personal hygiene and presentation standards.Knowle...
6 days ago

Hospitality Manager
Location: Hoedspruit
Salary:
The Hospitality Manager is responsible for overseeing the full guest experience and ensuring all hospitality departments operate efficiently and to high standards. This role leads the front-of-house, housekeeping, guest relations, and dining service teams to deliver exceptional customer service. The Hospitality Manager ensures smooth daily operations, maintains service excellence, resolves guest c...
Today

Front Of House / Duty Manager
Location: Hoedspruit
Salary:
The Front of House (FOH) / Duty Manager is responsible for delivering exceptional guest service, overseeing daily lodge operations, and ensuring a smooth and memorable guest experience. This role acts as the main point of contact for guests, manages front-facing departments, coordinates lodge activities, and supports overall lodge leadership. The Duty Manager ensures that all guest areas, service ...
Today

Hospitality Manager
Location: Hoedspruit
Salary:
Job DescriptionThe Hospitality Manager is responsible for overseeing the full guest experience and ensuring all hospitality departments operate efficiently and to high standards. This role leads the front-of-house, housekeeping, guest relations, and dining service teams to deliver exceptional customer service. The Hospitality Manager ensures smooth daily operations, maintains service excellence, r...
7 days ago

Front Of House / Duty Manager
Location: Hoedspruit
Salary:
Job DescriptionThe Front of House (FOH) / Duty Manager is responsible for delivering exceptional guest service, overseeing daily lodge operations, and ensuring a smooth and memorable guest experience. This role acts as the main point of contact for guests, manages front-facing departments, coordinates lodge activities, and supports overall lodge leadership. The Duty Manager ensures that all guest ...
7 days ago

Lodge Manager (Fixed-Term)
Location: Hoedspruit
Salary: 28000 Monthly
A well-established luxury lodge in the Hoedspruit area is seeking an experienced, hands-on LODGE MANAGER on a fixed-term contract to oversee day-to-day operations.
9 days ago

Assistant General Manager
Location: Hoedspruit
Salary: 18000 Monthly
A 5-star destination renowned for its collection of exclusive luxury lodges and villas, is seeking an exceptional ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER to join their leadership team
15 days ago

Lydenburg Dealer Principal of a Multi Franchise
Location: Lydenburg
Salary:
85 days ago

Executive Chef
Location: Graskop
Salary:
High personal hygiene and presentation standards.Knowledge of health and safety regulations, kitchen audits, and compliance with local food legislation.Menu design & costings for lodge dining (bush breakfasts, boma dinners, fine dining plating).Cost control, waste reduction, and ordering efficiency.Procurement & stock control with limited deliveries. Planning essential.Controlling the depa...
1 day ago

Executive Chef
Location: Graskop
Salary:
High personal hygiene and presentation standards.Knowledge of health and safety regulations, kitchen audits, and compliance with local food legislation.Menu design & costings for lodge dining (bush breakfasts, boma dinners, fine dining plating).Cost control, waste reduction, and ordering efficiency.Procurement & stock control with limited deliveries. Planning essential.Controlling the depa...
3 days ago