Job description
Executive Chef – Luxury Lodge | Hluhluwe, KZN Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Executive Chef to lead the kitchen operations at a prestigious luxury lodge in Hluhluwe, Kwa. Zulu-Natal. This live-in role is perfect for a creative culinary professional with a passion for delivering world-class food experiences in a high-end bush hospitality setting.
Salary: Negotiable DOE Accommodation: Live-in Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain the highest standards of kitchen hygiene and cleanliness
- Train, mentor, and guide all chefs while implementing kitchen standards
- Ensure correct cleaning chemicals and sufficient supplies are always in stock
- Plan and execute a 7-day menu according to the Food Styling Guide
- Monitor presentation, quality, and freshness of all meals and platters
- Keep up-to-date with culinary trends and guest preferences
- Lead creative bush banqueting experiences according to the Food Styling Guide
- Proactive maintenance of kitchen equipment and facilities
- Maintain effective communication with all chefs, camp managers, HODs, lodge management, and suppliers
- Monitor stock control, rotation, and storeroom organization
- Manage food orders, fridges, deep freezers, and leftover processes
- Ensure all vehicles and containers transporting food are spotless
- Maintain checklists for all items going to camps
- Supervise and check buffets, dinners, breakfasts, and meals at each camp at least three times per week
- Restrict kitchen traffic to essential personnel only
- Keep all fridges, refrigerators, and storerooms secure
- Cost all menus and ensure adherence to COS; provide explanations and corrective actions for any overs
- Implement and enforce all health protocols, including COVID measures
- Ensure snacks for game drives, bush banquets, drink stops, and picnics meet quality standards
- Organize canteens efficiently
- Engage positively with guests and fellow chefs, encourage feedback, and share culinary ideas
- Be a role model for discipline, fair treatment, and professionalism
- Be aware of and manage special dietary requirements for guests Skills Required:
- Strong communication skills with guests and staff
- Exceptional standard of culinary work
- Excellent organisational and planning abilities
- Lateral thinking and initiative
- Commitment to world-class hospitality and service standards
- Honest, proactive, integrity-driven, and career-oriented Knowledge Required:
- Hospitality and food service operations
- Environmental and community awareness
- Country and local knowledge
- Company knowledge relevant to lodge operations
- Valid unendorsed South African driver’s license Previous Experience:
- Minimum of 3+ years relevant experience in high-end hospitality
- Experience managing kitchen staff and guest-facing culinary operations
- Passion for creating exceptional food experiences If you do not hear from us within 7 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.