Job Description

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

Department: Kitchen

Reports to: General Manager

Employment Type: Full-time

Position Purpose

The Head Chef at Upper Union leads all culinary operations to deliver exceptional dining experiences aligned with the restaurant's bold, flavour-driven ethos. This includes innovative menu development, team leadership, operational excellence, hygiene compliance, and financial performance, while upholding the brand's commitment to quality, creativity, and guest satisfaction.

Key Performance Areas & Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations & Food Preparation

Lead and mentor the kitchen team to consistently deliver high-quality, flavour-forward dishes. Design and execute seasonal menus that reflect global inspiration and local ingredients, aligned with Upper Union's shared dining concept. Ensure portion control, plating consistency, and adherence to the restaurant's visual and taste standards. Oversee food preparation with attention to efficiency, hygiene, and dietary requirements. Conduct regular quality checks on taste, presentation, and service timing.

Guest Experience & Service

Engage with guests to understand preferences and accommodate special dietary needs. Ensure all dishes--plated and shared--are visually appealing and meet Upper Union's aesthetic. Collaborate with Front of House to personalise offerings and elevate the guest experience. Proactively manage feedback and resolve complaints with professionalism and care.

Team Leadership & Staff Development

Identify and nurture talent within the kitchen team for growth and promotion. Implement structured training plans and foster a culture of continuous learning. Conduct regular performance reviews with actionable feedback. Uphold discipline and professionalism in line with company HR policies.

Kitchen Administration & Financial Management

Manage kitchen inventory, minimise wastage, and ensure accurate reporting. Monitor food costs and maintain budget targets without compromising quality. Conduct stocktakes and ensure compliance with procurement protocols. Assist in preparing and reviewing departmental budgets and forecasts.

Health, Safety & Hygiene

Enforce hygiene and HACCP standards across all kitchen operations. Maintain cleanliness and functionality of kitchen equipment. Train staff on safe food handling and chemical usage. Ensure compliance with fire safety and health regulations.

Sustainability & Community Engagement

Promote sustainable sourcing, waste reduction, and energy efficiency. Support local producers and artisans where possible. Encourage staff and guests to participate in community and environmental initiatives.

Human Resources & Scheduling

Manage team schedules, leave, and attendance. Support cross-functional collaboration with other departments. Ensure compliance with labour laws in rostering and performance management.

Leadership & Culture

Foster a positive, respectful, and motivated kitchen culture. Lead by example in appearance, punctuality, and guest interaction. Encourage collaboration across the restaurant team. Remain flexible to operational needs and support broader team initiatives.

Knowledge & Competencies

Expertise in international cuisine, modern plating, and dietary accommodations. Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, and cost control. Experience in menu engineering and sustainable kitchen practices. Financial acumen including budgeting and P&L analysis. Ability to create SOPs and training materials.

Skills

Inspirational leadership and team mentoring. Precision in food preparation and presentation. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Creative problem-solving and adaptability. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and POS/inventory systems.

Qualifications & Experience

Formal culinary qualification (Diploma or higher). Minimum 5 years in a Head Chef role, ideally in a premium urban restaurant. Proven experience in menu development, budgeting, and team leadership. Strong time management and ability to perform under pressure.

We create opportunities and experiences for people to enrich their lives.

Our values guide our behaviours and how we act, and they help us find the right partnerships for growth:

Be

AWARE

(the "thoughtful" value)
Eyes and ears open

Arrive ready

Be human



Respond

GENEROUSLY

(the "more" value)
Always respond

Give more, do more

Have a mindset of abundance



Strength in

DIVERSITY

(the "family" value)
Act in harmony

Work together

Act inclusively



Make it

BETTER

(the "continuous improvement" value)
Positively influence

Keep learning

Own it