Head Chef

This role forms part of the Food and Beverage team at The Bay Hotel, based in Camps Bay, Cape Town.

THE ROLE

As Head Chef, you'll oversee the daily kitchen operations at The Bay Hotel, covering hotel breakfasts, bistro-style dining, poolside food, an in-house bakery and conferencing and events catering.

We're looking for an experienced, hands-on chef with a strong hotel background who takes pride in fresh, well-presented food, consistent standards and efficient service.

You'll lead the kitchen teams, oversee food quality and menu development and manage food costs, stock and staffing. Working closely with the Food and Beverage team and Group Support Services, you'll ensure smooth operations across all dining outlets, including busy peak periods.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee food production across breakfast, bistro, poolside dining, bakery, conferencing and events
Maintain high breakfast standards, including buffet and à la carte service
Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, portion control and service times
Oversee bakery production, maintaining freshness and quality standards
Develop menus with the Food and Beverage Custodian, maintaining approved recipes, costings and plating guides
Lead, train and manage kitchen teams, including rosters, performance reviews and staff administration
Work closely with front-of-house teams to coordinate service and address guest feedback
Manage food costs, gross profit targets, stock, wastage and labour expenditure
Oversee purchasing, stock takes and supplier quality in line with Group procedures
Maintain food safety, hygiene, allergen management and kitchen SOP compliance
Ensure kitchen equipment, storage areas and workspaces are properly maintained
Support wider hotel operations, including Duty Manager shifts when required

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Matric and a relevant culinary qualification
Minimum 2 years' experience as a Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine or Senior Sous Chef, with hotel kitchen experience essential
Strong hotel breakfast experience, including buffet and à la carte service
Sound knowledge of bistro-style cooking and bakery operations
Experience managing kitchen teams and multiple food service requirements
Strong food costing, stock control, purchasing and labour management skills
Good knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards
Organised, hands-on and able to maintain standards under pressure
Strong communication and leadership skills
Willingness to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays

WHAT WE OFFER

A kitchen leadership position at The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay
Input into menu development within an established culinary concept
Support from Village n Life Group Support Services
Career development opportunities within the Village n Life hospitality group

If you have not heard from us within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. We appreciate your interest and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Location: Camps Bay, Cape Town
Job Category: Food & Beverage
Employment Type: Full-time
Level: Management
Property: The Bay Hotel