Job Description

Job Summary
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EXECUTIVE CHEF | 5-Star Boutique Beach Hotel | Dolphin Coast (KZN)
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Location:
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Northern KZN (Durban North / North Coast candidates preferred)
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Start:
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Nov / Dec 2025
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Salary:
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Market-related, live-out
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(with Medical Aid & Provident Fund contributions)
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Type:
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Full-time, on-site | Boutique luxury, 7 ocean-view rooms + private villa
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The Opportunity
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Perched above the Indian Ocean, this intimate, design-forward beach property is seeking an
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Executive Chef
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to define and lead its culinary identity. You'll enjoy real creative freedom, a tight, motivated brigade, and the chance to craft seasonal, ingredient-driven menus that pair coastal elegance with contemporary technique and wellness-minded dining.
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Key Responsibilities
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Menu Leadership:
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Conceive and deliver
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innovative, seasonal menus
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that showcase local, sustainable produce; balance a la carte, tasting, villa/private dining, breakfast/brunch, and event offerings.
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Kitchen Excellence:
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Standardise recipes, plating guides, GP targets, portioning and pass control; ensure speed of service and consistency befitting a 5? boutique property.
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People & Culture:
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Lead, mentor, and upskill
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a small kitchen team; implement training calendars, performance reviews, and succession planning; model calm, hands-on leadership.
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Guest Connection:
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Engage confidently with guests at key service points and special experiences; collaborate with FOH on pairing notes and dietary journeys.
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Commercial Stewardship:
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Own
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food cost
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, waste control and procurement; manage supplier relationships and quality; deliver accurate stock counts, GRVs, and month-end packs.
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Compliance & Care:
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Enforce
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HACCP / hygiene
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standards; maintain equipment care logs; champion safety, sustainability, and energy-smart kitchen practices.
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Brand & PR:
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Act as a
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culinary ambassador
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when needed (chef's table moments, content support, occasional media).
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What You'll Bring
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Proven headship
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as
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Executive Chef or Head Chef
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in a
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leading 5? boutique hotel, luxury game lodge, or top-tier restaurant
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(essential), with a
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stable, consistent track record
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.
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Sharp, contemporary palate with fluency in
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modern plating, produce-led cuisine, and wellness-forward menus
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; confident pastry basics advantageous for a boutique team.
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Credible
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leadership and mentorship
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, excellent communication, and a composed, solutions-driven style in a small, exacting environment.
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Commercial acumen: demonstrated control of
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GP/COS
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, waste, purchasing and supplier negotiations.
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Working knowledge of
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MS Office and POS/inventory systems
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; strong admin discipline (spec sheets, prep lists, allergen logs, temp controls).
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Nice to Have
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Experience opening/refining boutique concepts; villa/private dining choreography.
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Strong wine-pairing intuition and collaboration with FOH/Sommelier.
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Sustainability credentials (low-waste workflows, local sourcing networks).
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Package & Work Setup
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Salary:
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Market-related,
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live-out
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.
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Benefits:
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Contributions to
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Medical Aid
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and
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Provident Fund
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.
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Environment:
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Boutique 5? coastal property; collaborative leadership culture; clear growth runway for a chef who wants to
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own the culinary narrative
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.
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How to Apply
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Email your
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CV
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, a concise
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portfolio
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(sample menus, plating images, food-cost achievements), and
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contactable references
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. Please include
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current salary
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,
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notice period
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, and
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location
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.
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Please Note:
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If you do not receive feedback within
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7 working days
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, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.
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