Job description
Head Chef – Luxury Game Lodge, Sabi Sands Salary: Negotiable DOE | Live-In Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an exceptional Head Chef for a renowned luxury game lodge in the Sabi Sands. This role requires a creative, experienced, and highly organised culinary leader who can deliver world-class dining experiences while managing all kitchen operations with precision, innovation, and professionalism.
Position Purpose: The Head Chef will oversee all culinary operations, leading the kitchen team to produce outstanding meals that reflect the standards of a luxury safari lodge. This includes menu development, guest engagement, team development, operational efficiency, hygiene compliance, stock control, and financial management.
Key Performance Areas & Responsibilities Kitchen Operations & Food Preparation:
- Lead, mentor, and train the kitchen team to deliver consistently high-quality meals
- Design and implement seasonal, innovative menus inspired by global trends and local influences
- Ensure portion control, food presentation, and fine-dining standards are maintained
- Oversee efficient food preparation with strict adherence to dietary and allergy requirements
- Conduct regular quality checks on taste, appearance, and service timeliness Guest Experience & Service:
- Engage with guests to understand preferences and feedback
- Ensure meals are beautifully presented and aligned with luxury lodge expectations
- Work with Front of House and Management to personalise culinary offerings
- Proactively manage guest feedback, requests, and complaints Team Leadership & Staff Development:
- Identify high-potential staff and mentor them for future growth
- Implement structured training plans and foster a culture of learning
- Conduct quarterly performance appraisals with developmental feedback
- Enforce discipline and maintain high professional standards Kitchen Administration & Financial Management:
- Manage stock, wastage, cost control, and reporting to budgetary targets
- Conduct accurate stocktakes and ensure compliance with procurement policies
- Prepare annual kitchen budgets and monitor monthly performance
- Ensure food costs align with agreed budgets without compromising quality Health, Safety & Hygiene:
- Enforce strict hygiene and HACCP protocols
- Maintain cleanliness and ensure functionality of all kitchen equipment
- Train staff on chemical safety, hygiene standards, and safe food handling
- Uphold fire safety, health, and hygiene policies Sustainability & Community Impact:
- Champion sustainable sourcing and waste management practices
- Promote partnerships with local farmers and artisans
- Encourage participation in environmental and community programmes Human Resources & Scheduling:
- Manage team leave, overtime, and attendance
- Assist other departments as needed
- Ensure compliance with labour legislation in scheduling and performance management Leadership & Culture:
- Foster a positive, respectful, and high-performance team culture
- Lead by example in professionalism, time management, and guest interaction
- Encourage inter-departmental collaboration and support sister properties Knowledge & Competencies:
- Extensive culinary knowledge including international cuisine and fine dining
- Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, cost control, and menu engineering
- Excellent financial understanding including budgeting and P&L analysis
- Ability to create and maintain SOPs and training materials
- Strong communication skills and meticulous attention to detail Skills:
- Proven leadership and mentoring capability
- Creativity and adaptability under pressure
- Excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and POS stock control systems Qualifications & Experience:
- Formal culinary qualification (Diploma or higher)
- Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Head Chef, ideally in a luxury lodge or fine-dining environment
- Strong experience in menu design, budgeting, and team development
- Excellent time management and ability to work under pressure Maximising Impact as a Member of the Lodge Team:
- Strong guest-focused approach, aligned with luxury hospitality standards
- Honest, clear communication and a collaborative spirit
- High emotional control, professionalism, and adaptability
- Strong initiative, creativity, and commitment to excellence
- Patience, tolerance, and ability to accept constructive feedback
- Ability to work accurately in high-pressure environments If anyone is interested in applying for this role, they are encouraged to submit their CV for consideration.