Job Description

Head Chef - Upmarket Restaurant (Cape Town City Centre)

Job Type:

Full-time, Permanent

Start Date:

Immediate

Location:

Cape Town, Western Cape (must reside locally or be willing to relocate before starting)

Transport:

Own transport and valid driver's license preferred

About the Role

We are seeking a well-rounded and experienced

Head Chef

to lead the kitchen team at an upmarket restaurant in

Cape Town City Centre

. The ideal candidate is a passionate culinary professional with strong leadership and operational skills, committed to maintaining exceptional food quality and guest satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage all kitchen departments and staff. Ensure smooth communication and cooperation between Front of House and Back of House. Delegate daily food preparation duties while upholding quality standards. Supervise and train staff across all sections: hot, cold, and pastry. Collaborate with Sous Chef and senior team members to coordinate daily kitchen operations. Develop new menu items and recipes that align with the restaurant's culinary vision. Monitor food production to ensure consistent high quality and presentation. Ensure stock is ordered, rotated (FIFO), and stored correctly, including monthly stock takes. Maintain and update recipe cards and costings. Enforce hygiene, sanitation, and food safety protocols across all kitchen operations. Conduct regular equipment maintenance checks and report malfunctions promptly. Guide, support, and train team members to build a motivated and efficient kitchen environment. Provide daily operational feedback to management and support last-minute event planning. Set the standard for professionalism, cleanliness, and performance.

Requirements

2-4 years of experience in a Head Chef or senior kitchen management role. Proven experience in high-end or upmarket restaurant environments. Strong leadership and communication skills. Excellent organizational, planning, and delegation abilities. Solid knowledge of kitchen management, food safety, recipe development, and cost control. Ability to work all shifts: day, night, and double shifts when required. Professional, calm under pressure, and results-driven.

Additional Requirements

Must be based in

Cape Town, Western Cape

or willing to relocate prior to starting. Own reliable transport and valid driver's license are preferred.
If you are passionate about food, thrive in a fast-paced kitchen environment, and are ready to take the next step in your culinary career, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person