Job Summary
New Vacancy: Group Executive Chef / Culinary Development Chef Location: Head Office – Clearwater, Johannesburg Salary: R45,000+ per month (dependent on experience) Our prestigious hospitality client is seeking an innovative and highly creative Group Executive Chef / Culinary Development Chef to join their Head Office team. This exciting opportunity is ideal for a passionate culinary professional who thrives on innovation, menu creation, and driving food excellence across multiple restaurant locations. This is not an operational restaurant role—it is a strategic culinary position responsible for developing exciting menu concepts, enhancing the brand's food offering, and ensuring consistency across the group. Key Responsibilities Lead the development of innovative and commercially successful menus. Design and implement seasonal menu changes and limited-time offerings. Research local and international food trends to keep the brand ahead of the market. Create new recipes while maintaining consistency, quality, and profitability. Conduct product testing, recipe costing, and menu engineering. Standardise recipes, plating guides, and operational procedures across all restaurants. Work closely with Operations and Training teams to roll out new menu launches. Source and evaluate new ingredients and supplier products. Ensure food offerings align with the brand's identity and customer expectations. Monitor food costs and maximise profitability without compromising quality. Train and mentor kitchen teams on new menu items and preparation methods. Continuously improve product quality, presentation, and guest experience. Minimum Requirements Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior Executive Chef, Group Chef, Development Chef, or Culinary Innovation role. Proven experience in menu development and seasonal menu planning . Strong creative flair with a genuine passion for food innovation. Excellent understanding of food costing, menu engineering, and GP management. Experience working within multi-site restaurant or hospitality groups is highly advantageous. Strong knowledge of current culinary trends and customer preferences. Excellent organisational and project management skills. Ability to work collaboratively with multiple departments. Stable employment history with contactable references. Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel between stores when required. The Ideal Candidate Passionate; creative, and forward-thinking. A trendsetter with a strong eye for detail and presentation. Commercially minded while maintaining culinary excellence. Innovative and constantly seeking ways to improve the guest experience. Excellent communicator with strong leadership and coaching abilities. Highly organised, adaptable, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Passionate about developing people and creating exceptional food experiences. Package Salary: R45,000+ per month, depending on experience. Opportunity to join a successful and expanding hospitality group. Long-term career growth within a dynamic and innovative culinary environment. To Apply: Please send your updated CV, current salary, salary expectation, notice period, portfolio of menus or signature dishes (if available), and a recent profile photo. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.