Banqueting Head Chef - Lead Elite Event Menus & Teams

Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to join a prestigious luxury safari game reserve situated in the Sabi Sand, Mpumalanga.

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented culinary professional who has a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences and is confident leading a kitchen team within a luxury lodge or safari environment.

Head chef – luxury safari game reserve

Location:

Sabi Sand, Mpumalanga

Property:
Luxury Safari Game Reserve

Salary:
Negotiable, depending on experience

The successful candidate will take overall responsibility for the kitchen operation and culinary standards of the property.

The Head Chef will lead, mentor and manage the kitchen team, ensuring a professional and productive working environment.

The role will involve planning and preparing high-quality meals that reflect the standards and expectations of a luxury safari property.

The successful candidate will be responsible for menu planning, food presentation and maintaining consistently high culinary standards.

The Head Chef will oversee food preparation, stock management, ordering and cost control.

The role will require close attention to food hygiene, health and safety standards.

The successful candidate will work closely with the lodge management team to ensure a seamless and exceptional guest experience.

The position will require flexibility and a hands‑on approach, particularly during busy service periods.

The successful candidate should be comfortable catering to a range of dietary requirements and guest preferences.

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a luxury lodge, hotel or safari environment.
• A relevant culinary qualification would be advantageous.
• Strong leadership and kitchen management skills.
• A genuine passion for food, hospitality and delivering exceptional dining experiences.
• Excellent knowledge of food preparation, presentation and modern culinary techniques.
• Strong menu planning and recipe development abilities.
• Experience with stock control, ordering and kitchen cost management.
• Excellent understanding of food hygiene and health and safety requirements.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop a diverse kitchen team.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Excellent attention to detail and consistently high standards.
• Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays and lodge-specific shifts as required.
• Previous experience in a luxury safari or remote lodge environment will be highly advantageous.

• Highly competitive salary reflecting expertise and leadership.
• Flexibility of a remote working environment with the ability to influence culinary direction.
• Opportunities to innovate and shape the future of remote event catering cuisine.
• Professional development and potential for advancement within the company.
• Work on exciting and diverse catering projects from the comfort of your home office.

Our client is seeking an innovative and experienced Head Chef to lead their culinary vision for remote catering operations. This unique role involves conceptualizing menus, guiding kitchen teams from afar, and ensuring exceptional quality and presentation for events managed across different locations. You will be instrumental in setting the culinary direction, developing new recipes, and maintaining the highest standards of food preparation and safety, all within a remote working framework that requires strong leadership and communication skills to inspire and direct kitchen staff effectively, ensuring culinary excellence translates into outstanding client experiences regardless of physical location.

• Conceptualize, design, and cost innovative menus for diverse catering…