Head Chef - New, luxury tented camp - Karoo

SUMMARY:
Creative and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and oversee all culinary aspects.

POSITION INFO:

About Us

Our new luxury tented game lodge, located amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Karoo, offers an unparalleled experience of elegance, comfort, and adventure. We pride ourselves on delivering a high-quality dining experience that celebrates local ingredients and exceptional service. Our culinary offerings include breakfast, lunch, high tea, dinner, and bespoke picnic baskets designed to delight our guests.

Position: Head Chef

Job Description:
We are seeking a creative and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and oversee all aspects of our culinary operations. The ideal candidate will take pride in crafting exceptional dishes that showcase local ingredients and elevate the dining experience at our luxury lodge. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team in a stunning and tranquil environment. This is a live in role.

Responsibilities

• Menu Creation: Develop seasonal menus that reflect local flavors and meet the highest culinary standards.
• Team Leadership: Train, mentor, and manage the kitchen team to maintain exceptional service and professionalism.
• Kitchen Operations: Oversee food preparation, presentation, and consistency across all meals and services.
• Quality Control: Ensure all dishes are prepared with precision, using the finest ingredients.
• Inventory & Budget Management: Manage food costs, inventory levels, and supplier relationships to ensure efficiency and sustainability.
• Health & Safety: Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant kitchen environment, meeting all food safety standards.
• Guest Engagement: Work collaboratively with other departments to create bespoke dining experiences tailored to guest preferences.
• Innovation: Continuously introduce new ideas to enhance the culinary offerings and guest satisfaction.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. Guest Satisfaction: Deliver outstanding dining experiences that exceed guest expectations.
2. Menu Innovation: Regularly refresh menus to incorporate creativity and local flavours.
3. Team Performance: Foster a skilled and motivated kitchen team that delivers consistent results.
4. Cost Control: Maintain food costs within budget without compromising quality.
5. Health & Safety Compliance: Adhere to and enforce all food safety and hygiene standards.
6. Efficiency: Ensure smooth kitchen operations to meet service timeframes.
7. Collaboration: Support cross-departmental efforts to enhance the overall guest experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a luxury hospitality setting.
• Expertise in menu planning, food preparation, and kitchen management.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• A passion for utilizing local ingredients and showcasing authentic flavours.
• In-depth knowledge of culinary trends and techniques.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for creative freedom and professional development.
• A chance to work in a breathtaking, serene location.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and their portfolio detailing their culinary experience and passion for high-quality cuisine.

Please note: If you have not received feedback within 2 weeks, consider your application unsuccessful.

Join us in crafting unforgettable culinary experiences in the heart of the Karoo.