Head Chef.
5* Game Lodge Zambezi National Park Zambia
Zambian National
Our client is looking for a Zambian Head Chef for their exclusive 5* Game Lodge surrounded by the iconic Winterthorn forest.
An experienced culinary professional to manage the kitchen and deliver high-quality dining experiences for the Lodge’s guests.
A candidate who aligns with our values and the unique culture of our lodge.
This role requires a culinary professional who thrives in a high-end Game Lodge and is driven by a commitment to excellence.
Extensive Culinary Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in high-end restaurants or luxury hospitality settings, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership role.
Advanced Culinary Skills: Expertise in international cuisines, fine dining, and innovative menu creation.
Leadership and Management: Strong leadership abilities to manage, motivate, and mentor kitchen staff and volunteers, ensuring high standards of food preparation and hygiene.
Creativity and Menu Development: Ability to design and update menus regularly, incorporating seasonal and local ingredients while maintaining high-quality standards.
Budget and Cost Control: Experience in managing kitchen budgets, controlling food costs, and maximizing profitability without compromising quality.
Inventory and Stock Control: Proficiency in managing food inventories, ensuring proper stock rotation, and minimizing wastage.
Food Safety and Hygiene: In-depth knowledge of food safety standards and health regulations, ensuring compliance at all times.
Cultural Sensitivity and Adaptability: Ability to work with diverse cultures and adapt to the local environment, incorporating local ingredients into menus.
Attention to Detail: High attention to detail to ensure consistency in food preparation, presentation, and overall guest satisfaction.
Exceptional Communication Skills: Ability to communicate clearly with kitchen staff, management, and guests, ensuring smooth operations and high-quality service.
Ability to Work Under Pressure: Ability to maintain calm and deliver exceptional food quality in high-pressure situations, especially during peak service times.
Passion for Sustainability: Knowledge and interest in sustainable sourcing, including the use of local and organic ingredients where possible.
Strong Organizational Skills: Ability to manage kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency in food preparation, kitchen cleanliness, and smooth service.
Relevant Qualifications: Culinary degree or equivalent qualifications from a recognized institution.
The salary range is 30 000 kwacha (about R 20 000) PLUS gratuities which are about equal to the salary some months.
Head Chef.
5* Game Lodge situated in a Game Reserve that currently consists of 10,500 hectares – Eastern – Cape Port Elizabeth area.
2 year Head Chef experience essential
This role requires a culinary professional who thrives in a high-pressure environment and is driven by a commitment to excellence.
The Head Chef will lead our kitchen team, manage all aspects of kitchen operations, and ensure that every meal served is of the highest standard, enhancing the overall guest experience at our lodge.
Fine dining experience preferred
Costing experience essential
- Managing day-to-day kitchen operations,
- food preparation, cooking, and presentation
- Creating and costing menus in line with guest preferences and seasonal availability.
- Supervising and coordinating the work of all kitchen staff.
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety standards, including food hygiene and storage.
- Monitoring food costs, minimizing wastage, and maintaining kitchen profitability.
- Collaborating with other departments to ensure seamless service delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
Stock Management:
Conduct weekly stock takes to ensure accurate inventory control, and monitor stock levels to minimize waste and maximize efficiency.
Ordering:
Oversee all ordering of kitchen supplies, working closely with suppliers to secure high-quality ingredients while managing food costs effectively.
Menu Planning & Development:
Design and update menus that reflect seasonal availability, guest preferences, and dietary requirements while showcasing culinary creativity and local flavours.
Administration & Paperwork:
Manage all administrative functions of the kitchen, including maintaining records of expenses, food safety compliance, and staff scheduling to ensure smooth operations.
Team Leadership:
Lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team, fostering a positive work environment that encourages collaboration, growth, and continuous improvement.
Quality Control:
Ensure that all dishes are prepared to the highest standard of taste and presentation, maintaining consistency and quality across all meal services.
Ensure strict adherence to health, hygiene, and safety standards, maintaining a clean and organized kitchen at all times.
Guest Interaction:
Engage with guests to receive feedback and adjust offerings as needed, striving to elevate the overall dining experience.
Desired Skills & Experience:
Proven experience as a Head Chef in a luxury or fine dining establishment.
Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop junior chefs.
Exceptional organizational and multitasking abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
Expertise in culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with a focus on delivering excellence.
Creativity and a passion for staying current with food trends, techniques, and presentation styles.
Salary R20 000 to R26 000 depending on experience including accommodation.
21 days on 7 days off work cycle
Sous Chef.
5* Game Lodge situated in a Game Reserve that currently consists of 10,500 hectares – Eastern – Cape Port Elizabeth area.
Requirements:
2 years sous chef experience
Currently working under a head chef
Culinary Qualification
Currently involved in monthly stock takes
Understanding of costing and control systems
Preferably fine dining experience
Salary R12500 including accommodation.
3 weeks on / 1 Week off
Senior Sous Chef
Award winning Word Class 5* Game Lodges Kruger National Park
This represents an opportunity to work for a world-class company, producing food of the highest standard. You will learn daily and have the chance to be creative, innovative and will work to continually raise the benchmark in terms of the food served to guests.
PURPOSE
Applicants are required to have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in a medium sized and exceptional kitchen.
The Senior Sous Chef provides a service to the kitchen department.
The Senior Sous Chef is fully responsible for the management of the kitchen under the head chef. He/ she assumes complete responsibility for the kitchen in his absence.
The main purpose of the Senior Sous Chef is to ensure that the kitchen is supervised and that quality food is produced in a hygienic environment, in line with the Lodge’s Standards. The position is accountable to the Head Chef.
REQUIREMENTS
We are looking for individuals who have a thorough knowledge of food, cost control, menu writing and who have received formal training from a recognized chef training establishment.
Candidates must be passionate, creative, hardworking and have strong communication, organizational and leadership skills.
Candidates should have a natural passion for ‘cheffing’ and understand kitchen procedure and timing requirements and be able to manage this in a high-pressured environment.
South African citizenship is advantageous, however a valid work permit is essential if you are not in possession of a South African ID document.