Head Chef

SUMMARY:
About the Company
We are a luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Johannesburg, offering refined accommodation, exceptional dining experiences, and personalised guest service. The property is committed to creating memorable hospitality experiences through high standards, innovation, and attention to detail.
 
Job Description
We are seeking a passionate, ambitious, and visionary Executive Chef to lead and elevate the culinary operations of our restaurant and kitchen.
This role is ideal for a driven chef who wants to take ownership of the restaurant and kitchen, build a strong culinary identity, and take the dining experience to new heights. The successful candidate will be encouraged to bring creativity, innovation, and leadership to the role while maintaining the high standards expected within a luxury boutique hotel environment.
The Executive Chef will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, menu development, staff leadership, food quality, supplier management, stock control, receiving procedures, invoice verification, and food costing. This individual will also be responsible for mentoring and inspiring the kitchen brigade while ensuring operational excellence and exceptional guest satisfaction.
The ideal candidate is hands-on, highly organised, financially aware, and passionate about creating memorable dining experiences.
 
Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all kitchen operations
• Maintain exceptional culinary standards and food presentation
• Lead, mentor, train, and inspire the kitchen brigade
• Develop innovative menus, seasonal specials, and new culinary concepts
• Take ownership of the restaurant’s culinary identity and direction
• Ensure consistency, creativity, and quality across all dishes
• Monitor and manage food costing and kitchen budgets
• Maintain strict stock control, stock rotation, and wastage procedures
• Oversee receiving of stock and invoice verification processes
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships
• Ensure compliance with all health, hygiene, and food safety standards
• Work closely with management to enhance the overall guest experience
• Drive kitchen efficiency and operational excellence
• Assist in building and strengthening the culinary reputation of the establishment

POSITION INFO:
Minimum Requirements Must currently reside in South Africa Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef Previous experience within a luxury hotel, boutique hotel, or fine dining environment preferred Strong leadership and people management abilities Excellent understanding of: Food costing Stock control Receiving procedures Invoice checking Kitchen administration Supplier management Strong menu development and culinary innovation skills Excellent organisational and communication skills Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced hospitality environment Passion for food, hospitality, and guest satisfaction Professional appearance and strong work ethic Ideal Candidate Profile The successful candidate should be: Driven and ambitious Passionate about building and growing a restaurant brand Creative and innovative in their culinary approach Hands-on and operationally strong Motivated to take ownership of the kitchen and restaurant Focused on elevating the dining experience and reputation of the establishment A natural leader with strong team-building abilities Career-driven and eager to grow within the hospitality industry