Head Chef - Green Point, Cape Town

SUMMARY:
If you are a visionary Head Chef with a passion for fine dining, sustainability, eatery management, and innovation, we would love to hear from you!

POSITION INFO:

Head Chef – Fine Dining, Eatery & Farm-to-Table

Our client is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to oversee the eatery, product development, and ongoing staff training. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fine dining and farm-to-table cuisine, excelling in menu development, product innovation, and seasonal ingredient utilization while maintaining the highest culinary standards. This role requires exceptional leadership, integrity, accountability, creativity, and a commitment to sustainability. The successful candidate will also be responsible for overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations, cost control, team management, and staff training.

Key Responsibilities

Menu & Product Development:

• Design and implement seasonal menus that highlight fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients.

• Innovate and develop new dishes while ensuring consistency in quality, taste, and presentation.

• Collaborate with suppliers and local farmers to source top-quality seasonal produce.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of culinary trends and incorporate them into the menu.

• Oversee product and recipe development, ensuring accurate documentation and filing.

• Develop and cost all food items for the eatery and deli.

Kitchen Operations & Management:

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency and adherence to high culinary standards.

• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.

• Manage inventory, cost control, and supplier relationships.

• Implement and monitor kitchen budgets, waste management, and cost reduction strategies.

• Conduct monthly stock take and ensure proper stock rotation to minimize food wastage.

• Oversee BoH and FoH kitchens, ensuring health, safety, cleanliness, and food production standards are upheld.

• Open and close the kitchen as per the weekly timetable.

Team Leadership & Training:

• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff to maintain a culture of excellence and professionalism.

• Ensure smooth communication and collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house teams.

• Conduct performance evaluations and implement staff development programs.

• Recruit, train, and retain high-caliber kitchen staff.

• Oversee staff training in food preparation and presentation for both the eatery and deli.

• Supervise and provide direction to Sous Chef, Operational Chef, and Pastry Chef.

• Ensure all kitchen staff report appropriately to their designated senior chefs.

Financial & Administrative Duties:

• Develop and manage kitchen budgets, ensuring profitability.

• Oversee financial reporting, menu costing, and operational expenditures.

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

• Maintain accurate records of kitchen operations, including inventory, orders, and supplier invoices.

• Commit to special projects, ensuring deadlines and implementations are met through the operational kitchen team.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a fine dining, eatery, or farm-to-table establishment.

• Matric qualification (required); a tertiary qualification in a relevant field is advantageous.

• Strong knowledge of farm-to-table cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and sustainable practices.

• Expertise in menu development, product innovation, and modern culinary techniques.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to work in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment while maintaining quality standards.

• Strong staff management experience, including training, performance evaluation, and development.

• Experience with budgets, financial reporting, and cost control.

• Knowledge of food safety regulations, stock control, and waste reduction principles.

• A high level of integrity, accountability, and a willingness to listen and implement directives.

If you are a visionary Head Chef with a passion for fine dining, sustainability, eatery management, and innovation, we would love to hear from you!

How to Apply:

Please send your updated CV and relevant documents to .