Camp Manager- "Chef Experience"

a luxury four-star lodge located near Musina , Limpopo, is seeking a versatile, high-energy, and hands-on Camp Manager with Chef Experience to oversee daily lodge operations and elevate our guest culinary journey. This live-in role is ideal for a hospitality professional who excels at both high-level guest relations and intimate, top-tier culinary preparation.

Position Overview

The Camp Manager / Chef Experience is responsible for creating a seamless, warm, and unforgettable stay for our international and local guests. You will split your expertise between managing the daily front-of-house, housekeeping, and hosting duties, and personally designing, prepping, and plating exceptional, high-quality meals.

You will lead a small, dedicated local team, ensuring the lodge maintains its four-star standards, high ratings, and eco-friendly practices.

Key Responsibilities

1. Culinary & Kitchen Management ("Chef Experience") Menu Design: Plan and execute creative, high-quality menus that showcase local South African flavours with a modern, international twist (boma dinners, bush breakfasts, and plated dinners). Food Preparation: Personally handle the cooking and plating of meals, ensuring exceptional presentation, taste, and dietary accommodation (vegan, gluten-free, etc.). If and when Required.
2. Camp Management & Guest Hosting Guest Relations: Act as the primary host, welcoming guests upon arrival, conducting lodge orientations, managing check-ins/check-outs, and looking after guest comfort throughout their stay. Daily Operations: Oversee the daily upkeep of the lodge, including front-of-house, bar management, house-keeping standards, and basic maintenance coordination. Staff Leadership: Supervise, train, and motivate the kitchen and housekeeping staff, fostering a positive and efficient working environment. Administration: Handle basic daily administration, guest billing, cash ups, and clear communication with the reserve management and reservations team.

Requirements

Minimum of 3–5 years of hospitality experience in a similar dual role (Assistant Camp Manager, Hosting Chef, or Head Chef with strong front-of-house experience) within a 4 or 5-star safari lodge environment.

Qualifications

Formal culinary arts degree or diploma from a recognised institution is highly advantageous. A hospitality management qualification is a plus. Skills: Exceptional cooking skills across diverse cuisines, strong financial literacy (stock control/budgeting), and natural, charismatic guest hosting abilities. Licences: Valid South African driver's licence is essential.

Attributes: Resilient, flexible, and fully adapted to the remote bush lifestyle. Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on "lead by example" work ethic.

Benefits

Camp Manager / Chef Experience Salary Range: R15,000 – R25,000 per month (Negotiable based on experience) Benefits: Live-in accommodation, Discount on Meals- Meals not included