**URGENT** IMMEDIATE START**
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Executive Sous Chef to join the kitchen team at an exclusive lodge in Pilanesberg. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership abilities, extensive culinary experience, and a passion for delivering outstanding dining experiences in a luxury lodge environment.
Key Responsibilities:
• Assist the Executive Chef in overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring the preparation and presentation of high-quality dishes for lodge guests.
• Supervise and manage kitchen staff, providing training, guidance, and ensuring a high standard of kitchen practices.
• Support menu planning and development, including creating seasonal and locally inspired dishes that reflect the lodge's culinary vision.
• Maintain a high standard of food safety, hygiene, and cleanliness, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Manage kitchen inventory, ensuring that all ingredients and supplies are ordered, stored, and used efficiently to minimize waste.
• Assist in cost control, including managing food costs, portion control, and waste reduction.
• Oversee food preparation and cooking, ensuring consistency in quality and presentation, particularly for high-volume services such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner for lodge guests.
• Coordinate with the front-of-house team to ensure smooth communication and guest satisfaction.
• Handle special dietary requests and ensure meals meet specific guest requirements or preferences.
• Assist in planning and executing special events, such as private dinners, bush banquets, or themed culinary experiences.
• Lead by example, maintaining a positive, efficient work environment, and fostering a culture of teamwork and professionalism.
Requirements:
• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a luxury hotel, resort, or lodge, ideally with experience in remote or safari lodge environments.
• Strong culinary skills with a deep understanding of fine dining and local African cuisine.
• Excellent leadership and management skills, with experience in training and developing kitchen staff.
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities, capable of managing multiple tasks under pressure.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and the ability to ensure compliance with regulations.
• Creative, with the ability to innovate and design menus that reflect the unique offerings of the lodge.
• A passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences to guests in a luxury, hospitality-focused setting.
• Ability to work in a team environment, and flexibility to assist with various aspects of lodge operations when necessary.
• Culinary qualification or equivalent professional experience (preferred).
• Ability to work in a remote location and adapt to a lodge setting.
What We Offer:
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead the kitchen team at a prestigious lodge in the Pilanesberg.
• A beautiful work environment, with the chance to be part of a team dedicated to creating unforgettable guest experiences.
• Career growth and development opportunities in luxury lodge hospitality.