Job description
Head Chef - 5-Star Boutique Hotel & Restaurant
- Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape (Position available from September 2026) Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking a talented and creative Head Chef for a well-established 5-star boutique hotel in Plettenberg Bay, forming part of a respected South African boutique hospitality group. The property’s restaurant is a key feature of the guest experience, offering a refined, seasonally driven dining concept with a strong focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Please note: This position commences in September 2026. Applications are open for early shortlisting. Job Overview: The Head Chef will take full responsibility for leading the kitchen operation, driving culinary excellence, and delivering a consistently high-end dining experience. The role requires a balance of strong leadership, financial management, and creative menu development, with a focus on seasonal, locally inspired cuisine.
Key Responsibilities
Kitchen Leadership & Operations
- Oversee all kitchen operations across the hotel’s dining outlets
- Lead, train, and develop the kitchen brigade to maintain high performance standards
- Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation across all dishes served
- Manage day-to-day kitchen efficiency and workflow Menu Development & Culinary Direction
- Design and implement seasonal menus aligned with the property’s culinary vision
- Develop innovative, locally inspired dishes using fresh, seasonal produce
- Continuously refine menus based on guest feedback and industry trends
- Contribute to special dining experiences, private events, and VIP functions Financial & Operational Management
- Manage food costs, stock control, and kitchen budgeting
- Oversee procurement and supplier relationships
- Ensure optimal cost efficiency without compromising quality
- Maintain accurate kitchen records and controls Standards & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with HACCP and food safety standards
- Maintain the highest levels of hygiene and kitchen organisation
- Uphold all operational and brand standards consistently Guest Experience & Collaboration
- Work closely with management to enhance the overall guest dining experience
- Coordinate special events, private dining, and bespoke culinary experiences
- Maintain strong communication with front-of-house and management teams Experience Required:
- Formal culinary qualification from a recognised institution
- Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a luxury or fine dining environment
- Proven experience in seasonal menu development and modern culinary techniques
- Strong background in food costing, stock control, and kitchen financial management
- Experience leading and developing a professional kitchen brigade
- Full knowledge of HACCP and food safety standards
- Stable work history with contactable references and a strong food portfolio Requirements:
- Passion for fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients
- Strong leadership and team management abilities
- Creative flair combined with technical culinary excellence
- Ability to perform under pressure in a high-end environment
- Strong organisational and time-management skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Professional, disciplined, and detail-oriented approach Package:
- Market-related salary
- Live-out position This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate and experienced Head Chef looking to take ownership of a refined culinary offering within a leading boutique hospitality environment.