TRAFFIC KwaZulu-Natal

Head Chef

Kendrick Recruitment

Job Description

Full time Kendrick Recruitment South Africa

Posted On 2026/05/27

Job Information

Head / Executive Chef

DOE

City Hluhluwe

State/Province Kwazulu-Natal

3950

Job Description

Head Chef Luxury Safari Lodge Hluhluwe

Live-In Position

Salary: Negotiable Depending on Experience (DOE)

Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking a passionate and experienced Head Chef for a luxury safari lodge based in Hluhluwe. This is an exciting opportunity for a creative culinary professional with strong leadership skills, a passion for guest delight, and a flair for delivering exceptional dining experiences in the bush.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Maintain and implement exceptional kitchen hygiene standards
  • Train and mentor kitchen staff while upholding kitchen procedures and standards
  • Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented according to approved styling guidelines
  • Stay up to date with current food trends and innovative culinary ideas
  • Create memorable bush banqueting and guest dining experiences
  • Oversee stock control, stock rotation, food orders, storerooms, fridges, and deep freezes
  • Ensure all food leaving the kitchen meets the highest quality standards
  • Monitor breakfasts, dinners, buffets, snacks, and game drive catering
  • Interact positively with guests and encourage feedback
  • Accommodate and manage special dietary requirements professionally
  • Promote teamwork, discipline, and a positive kitchen culture
  • Assist with proactive kitchen maintenance and administration

Requirements:

  • Minimum 2+ years' chef experience within luxury hospitality or safari lodges
  • Strong kitchen management and administration skills
  • Passion for staff training, mentorship, and culinary innovation
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Calm under pressure with strong attention to detail
  • Self-motivated with excellent organisational skills
  • Passion for exceptional guest experiences
  • Valid Code 8 Driver's Licence required

This role is ideal for a dynamic chef who thrives in a luxury bush environment and enjoys leading a passionate kitchen brigade while creating unforgettable guest experiences.

About This Role

Career insights for Chefs and Head Cooks positions

Salary Benchmark
$58,920/year
Source: O*NET (USD)
Job Outlook
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Key Skills for This Role
Coordination Monitoring Speaking Time Management Active Listening
Common Technologies
Google Sheets Microsoft Excel GroupMe Barrington Software CookenPro Commercial CostGuard Culinary Software Services ChefTec Axxya Systems Nutritionist Pro GNOME Gnutrition