Kendrick Recruitment is seeking a skilled and dynamic Kitchen Manager / Executive Chef for a luxury safari lodge in the Kruger National Park. This live-in role is ideal for an experienced culinary professional with a hospitality qualification, strong leadership skills, and a passion for delivering exceptional guest dining experiences in a high-end lodge environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create, design, and implement menus that meet and exceed guest expectations in consultation with Senior Management
  
• Maintain a thorough understanding of dietary requirements and culinary styles
  
• Oversee procurement of all food and kitchen materials for the main kitchen and staff canteens
  
• Ensure hygiene, cleanliness, and maintenance of all kitchen areas, equipment, and storage facilities
  
• Develop recipes and manage cost control, budget compliance, and supplier pricing
  
• Conduct accurate monthly stock takes and manage inventory
  
• Take responsibility for the profitability of the kitchen department
  
• Lead and manage kitchen staff, including recruitment, training, performance appraisals, rostering, leave management, and disciplinary action
  
• Build and maintain a skilled, motivated, and cohesive kitchen brigade
  
• Ensure all staff are conversant with company policies, procedures, and labour regulations
  
• Assist in menu adjustments, creation of new dishes, and tasting approvals with Senior Management
  
• Provide annual equipment and supplier assessments, ensuring alignment with budget and operational needs
  
• Support kitchen team members as required and perform additional tasks as instructed by management
  

Requirements:

• Hospitality qualification
  
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar role within luxury lodges or high-end hospitality environments
  
• Strong leadership and people management skills
  
• Excellent organisational, planning, and cost-control abilities
  
• Ability to work with culturally diverse teams and staff of varying skill levels
  
• Strong understanding of hygiene, safety, and quality standards in kitchen operations
  
• Guest-focused with a commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences
  

Package & Benefits:

• Negotiable salary based on experience
  
• Live-in accommodation provided
  
• Opportunity to lead a high-end lodge kitchen and make a significant impact on the guest experience
  

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their CV to apply for this role.