Job Summary
? Lead Culinary Excellence in the Heart of the Botswana Wilderness ? ? Head Chef ? Botswana ? Luxury Safari Lodge ? Salary: Negotiable DOE ? Live-in Position Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking a skilled and experienced Head Chef for a luxury lodge based in Botswana. This senior culinary leadership role is ideal for a passionate chef who thrives in a remote luxury safari environment and is committed to delivering exceptional dining experiences for both guests and staff. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for kitchen operations, menu development, team leadership, and maintaining the highest standards of food quality and hygiene. Requirements: ✔ Minimum 3-year Chef qualification or at least 4+ years’ experience in a senior culinary role ✔ Proven experience managing kitchen operations in a luxury hospitality environment ✔ Strong leadership and team management skills ✔ Solid understanding of food cost control, budgeting, and stock management ✔ Strong knowledge of hygiene, health, and safety standards ✔ Experience with menu planning and seasonal dish development ✔ Ability to train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff ✔ Good computer literacy and administrative capability ✔ Strong communication and interpersonal skills ✔ Ability to work under pressure in a remote environment Key Responsibilities: • Oversee all kitchen sections ensuring consistent excellence in food quality, presentation, and hygiene • Design and implement seasonal menus aligned with lodge culinary standards • Supervise food production, portion control, and waste management • Manage staff canteen meals ensuring quality and nutritional standards • Monitor equipment usage, maintenance, and stock control to minimise breakage and wastage • Manage ordering processes to prevent shortages and maintain efficiency • Prepare and oversee pastry and bakery items including breads, desserts, and ice creams • Conduct structured shift handovers to ensure operational continuity • Maintain strict health, safety, and hygiene compliance across all kitchen areas • Engage with guests to enhance personalised dining experiences where appropriate • Manage kitchen budgets and ensure cost-effective operations • Liaise with other departments to ensure seamless guest service delivery • Train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff, supporting multi-skilling and succession planning • Support sustainability and eco-conscious kitchen practices • Identify operational risks and implement preventative controls Candidate Profile: • Strong, disciplined culinary leader with a passion for excellence • Hands-on and highly organised approach to kitchen management • Calm and effective under pressure in a remote environment • Guest-focused with a commitment to memorable dining experiences • Strong mentor who develops and inspires kitchen teams Please note that only suitable candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard back from us in 7 working days, please consider your application unsuccessful.