Head Chef | Luxury Private Game Reserve | Hoedspruit, MPL | LB

Head Chef – Luxury Lodge – Hoedspruit

Salary: R29,100 (Live-in)

Kendrick Recruitment is recruiting for an experienced and dynamic Head Chef to join a prestigious luxury lodge in the Hoedspruit area. This is a senior kitchen leadership role suited to a hands-on professional with strong operational, administrative, and mentoring skills, capable of delivering exceptional culinary standards across multiple dining environments.

Key Requirements

Minimum of 4–5 years’ experience in a similar Head Chef role within a luxury lodge or high-end hospitality environment

Proven experience managing à la carte service for up to 165 guests, including buffet service and outdoor functions

Strong leadership and team management abilities

Excellent organisational and administrative skills

Creative approach to menu development and current food trends

Calm, composed, and effective under pressure

High level of attention to detail and refined presentation standards

Ability to mentor, coach, and develop kitchen staff

Valid driver’s licence

Key Responsibilities

Oversee the daily running of the kitchen in collaboration with the Executive Chef

Maintain exceptional levels of cleanliness and hygiene within the kitchen

Manage full kitchen inventory, stock control, and procurement in line with health and safety standards

Oversee food preparation and ensure consistent quality and presentation

Approve and conduct final checks on dishes before service to guests

Supervise and discipline kitchen staff, including chefs and scullery team

Manage dietary requirements and special guest requests

Ensure all set-up requirements for dining services and functions are completed on time

Manage the kitchen pass, including expediting hot, cold, and pastry sections

Oversee à la carte, buffet, and outdoor catering operations

Handle guest feedback and resolve any kitchen-related complaints professionally

Manage rosters and staffing requirements

Oversee scullery operations and kitchen cleaning programmes

Ensure recipe consistency, product knowledge, and prep-list execution

Conduct purchasing, invoice capturing, stock takes, and daily and month-end reporting

Manage kitchen equipment maintenance and preventative repair programmes

Candidates who meet the above requirements are encouraged to submit their CV to Kendrick Recruitment to apply for this role.