Job Description

Closing Date: 2025-12-24
Job Type: Permanent
Job Level: Senior
Experience: Between 3 - 5 Years
EE/AA: No
Summary
Senior Chef - Luxury Safari Lodge (Pre-Opening) - Greater Kruger, Hoedspruit
Our client, a new luxury safari lodge (Pre-opening) launching in the Greater Kruger region, Hoedspruit, is recruiting a Senior Chef to lead the culinary offering. This role is ideal for a talented, creative chef with lodge or boutique hospitality experience who can deliver world-class dining in a remote environment.
Description
The Senior Chef will manage the kitchen, design menus, maintain food quality, and ensure smooth service delivery. This includes stock control, hygiene standards, mentorship of junior chefs, and special dietary requirements. As part of a pre-opening team, the Senior Chef will play a key role in developing culinary identity and establishing operational excellence.
Responsibilities

• Develop and execute daily menus for lodge guests
• Manage kitchen operations including preparation, cooking, and plating
• Maintain hygiene compliance and kitchen organisation
• Oversee stock controls, ordering, and supplier management
• Lead and mentor junior kitchen staff
• Ensure consistency, presentation, and quality of every dish
• Cater for dietary requirements and personalised guest experiences
• Support lodge hosting where required

Start Date: 25 January 2026
Salary & Benefits

• R15 000 - R20 000
• Live-in accommodation
• Three meals per day
• Unique opportunity to help shape a new luxury lodge kitchen

Minimum Requirements

• 3-5 years' experience in lodge or restaurant kitchens
• Strong culinary skills and menu development experience
• Understanding of cost control and stock management
• Creativity with local and seasonal ingredients
• Ability to work independently and under pressure
• Passion for food, presentation, and guest engagement
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Valid driver's licence advantageous

Benefits
Live-in accommodation. Three meals per day

Skills Required