Job Description

Job Summary ? NEW Chef Vacancy - Kruger National Park ? ? Executive Chef - Overseeing Two 5* Boutique Safari Kitchens - Kruger National Park ?? Live-in Role | R25,000 (Negotiable for the right candidate) + Benefits Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to lead the culinary operations of two luxury boutique safari lodges located within the Kruger region. This is a senior leadership position suited to a highly skilled, organised, and creative chef who is confident running multi-camp kitchen operations in a remote wilderness environment. The successful candidate will oversee menu design, kitchen standards, cost control, stock management, and team leadership across two high-end lodges. A strong understanding of bush dining, fine plating, and guest-centric culinary experiences is essential. Key Responsibilities o Full oversight of two lodge kitchens, ensuring consistent 5 star dining standards across properties o Menu planning, design, costings, and delivery of bush breakfasts, boma dinners, and plated fine dining experiences o Lead, mentor, and develop a multi-cultural team of chefs, trainees, and kitchen staff o Oversee all stock control, procurement, cost management, and month-end stock take o Ensure food safety, hygiene standards, kitchen audits, and compliance with local food regulations (HACCP essential) o Manage kitchen budgets, with responsibility for cost control and variance justification o Maintain exceptional hygiene, presentation, and equipment care standards o Manage staff scheduling, leave rosters, discipline, and performance management processes o Regular camp visits to check quality, replenish buffets, and maintain consistency across lodges o Ensure seamless operations despite remote conditions, limited deliveries, and wildlife proximity o Manage special dietary requests including vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-sensitive meals o Ensure all equipment faults are logged and communicated with maintenance teams Requirements o Professional Cookery or Culinary Arts Diploma (City & Guilds preferred) o Minimum 5-7 years professional kitchen experience, including 3 years in a senior or executive chef role in a 5* lodge environment - essential o Valid Food Safety/Hygiene Certificate, strong HACCP knowledge o Strong leadership, communication, and training ability o Computer literacy (Excel for menu costing, stock control, plus Point of Sale systems) o Ability to work calmly under pressure and maintain high standards consistently o Comfortable living in a remote bush environment o Valid driver's licence and ability to drive between camps at night when required o Contactable references (minimum three) Package o Salary: R25,000 (highly negotiable for the right candidate) o Live-in accommodation o Meals and uniform provided o 7 consecutive days off per month o 21 consecutive days annual leave o Compulsory provident fund contribution (5% CTC) o Additional benefits discussed during interview To Apply Please submit your CV, contactable references, food portfolio and a recent head and shoulders photograph ASAP. ? Please Note: If you do not receive feedback within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.
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