Job Description

Closing Date: 2026-03-14
Job Type: Permanent
Job Level: Senior
Experience: Between 3 - 5 Years
EE/AA: No
Summary
Head Chef - Luxury Private Game Lodge - North West
Our client, a luxury private game lodge in North West, is seeking an experienced and people-focused Head Chef to lead all kitchen operations across the lodge. This is a senior live-in role suited to a hands-on culinary leader who values professionalism, calm leadership, and high-quality guest dining within an exclusive safari environment.
The successful candidate will take full responsibility for menu development, kitchen operations, staff leadership, and food cost control while fostering a respectful, positive, and well-managed kitchen culture.
Description
The Head Chef is responsible for the overall management of two kitchens: the main lodge kitchen and a private villa kitchen catering for exclusive-use guests. Reporting directly to lodge management, the role requires strong operational control, creative menu planning, and effective leadership of a multi-skilled kitchen team.
Key responsibilities include the preparation and presentation of high-quality guest meals, accommodating dietary requirements and allergies, overseeing staff meals, and maintaining exceptional hygiene and food safety standards. The Head Chef will lead, train, and manage the kitchen team in line with company values, ensuring a professional working environment built on respect, teamwork, and accountability.
This role also involves stock control, ordering, budgeting, and food cost management, as well as maintaining kitchen equipment and ensuring all back-of-house areas remain clean, organised, and audit-ready. Guest interaction is an important component of the role, requiring confidence, professionalism, and a service-driven mindset.
The position operates on a 36 days on / 12 days off cycle, with live-in accommodation and full staff benefits provided.
Key Responsibilities

• Overall management of the main lodge kitchen and villa kitchen
• Menu planning and development, including dietary and allergy requirements
• Preparation and presentation of high-quality guest and staff meals
• Leadership, training, performance management, and discipline of kitchen staff
• Creating a calm, respectful, and positive kitchen culture
• Ensuring compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety legislation
• Managing stock control, ordering, stock takes, and minimising food wastage
• Controlling food costs and managing kitchen budgets
• Maintaining kitchen equipment and operational standards
• Preparing duty rosters and managing staffing requirements
• Liaising with Front of House to ensure seamless service delivery
• Engaging with guests and responding to feedback professionally

Position Details

• Location: Madikwe Game Reserve
• Role Type: Live-in
• Salary: R24,000 per month (flexible for strong lodge-experienced candidates)
• Cycle: 36 days on / 12 days off
• Benefits Include:

• Private room and bathroom in staff village
• Three meals per day
• Laundry and room cleaning
• Uniform provided
• Free Wi-Fi
• Medical aid contribution after 3-month probation period
• Annual leave and staff bednight benefits

Minimum Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Chef (or equivalent senior role) in a luxury lodge, hotel, or high-end restaurant environment
• Recognised professional culinary qualification
• Strong leadership, organisational, and people management skills
• Sound knowledge of South African food safety, hygiene, and labour legislation
• Experience with kitchen administration, stock control systems, and budgeting
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to perform under pressure in a remote hospitality environment
• Commitment to professionalism, teamwork, and respectful leadership

Benefits
Private room and bathroom in staff village. Three meals per day. Laundry and room cleaning. Uniform provided. Free Wi-Fi Medical aid contribution after 3-month probation period. Annual leave and staff bednight benefits

Skills Required