Head Chef - Luxury Lodge - Hoedspruit

My client is seeking a dynamic and innovative Head Chef to oversee the kitchen operations at their high-end safari lodge. The ideal candidate will lead and train a dedicated kitchen team to achieve the highest standards of guest satisfaction in a luxurious hospitality environment.

Key Outputs:

1. Supervise the entire kitchen operation, ensuring excellent food standards at all times.
2. Collaborate with the Executive Chef to meet standards and goals.
3. Support chefs in daily supplies ordering and new recipe training.
4. Implement the Chef's training program and train all staff on new menus and dishes.
5. Continuously monitor and control dish quality.
6. Interact personally with guests at each meal, accommodating dietary requirements flexibly.
7. Work within operational budgets and manage stock control and invoice inputting.
8. Maintain stringent cleaning measures and attend weekly kitchen meetings to address food experience-related items.

People Management:

1. Provide continuous training and motivation to all kitchen staff, ensuring clear understanding of responsibilities.
2. Maintain good communication with chefs, Heads of Department, Lodge Manager, and suppliers.
3. Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef, Lodge Manager, and General Manager to implement standards and staff policies.

Qualifications:

1. Formal Chef Qualification.
2. At least 3+ years of chef experience in 5-star hotels, lodges, or busy restaurants.
3. Proven experience in a leadership or supervisory role.
4. International exposure is a plus.

Skills:

1. Proficiency in spoken and written English.
2. Computer literacy.
3. Knowledge of PAN Strat is advantageous.
4. Ability to cost menus effectively.
5. Passion for food and exceptional guest experiences.
6. Strong team leadership and delegation skills.
7. Excellent day-to-day and long-term management abilities.
8. Capability to motivate staff to consistently deliver at a 5-star level.
9. Creative problem-solving within a team environment.
10. Good knowledge of hospitality operations, including butler service and staff rostering.
11. Ability to create seasonal menus showcasing locally sourced ingredients.
12. Flexibility and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.

Personal Attributes:

1. Patience and attention to detail.
2. Self-motivation to enhance the guest experience continuously.
3. Passion for training staff, creating exceptional food, and innovating new ideas.
4. Strong interpersonal skills and sense of urgency.
5. Creative problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
6. Passionate about guest delight.
7. Diligence and self-motivation to meet deadlines.
8. Willingness to share information, teach, and inspire others.
9. Ability to adapt to cultural sensitivity and changing environments.

Experience: Between 3 - 5 Years