Executive Chef

SUMMARY:
Must combine culinary vision with operational control across multiple outlets

POSITION INFO:

In a hotel on a journey toward luxury, the kitchen must lead with vision, discipline, and uncompromising standards.

At The President Hotel, our Food & Beverage offering plays a defining role in shaping the guest experience. Across multiple restaurants, busy banqueting operations, and large-scale conferences, the kitchen must consistently deliver quality, creativity, and operational precision.

With its iconic oceanfront setting and reputation as one of Cape Town’s most loved hotels, The President Hotel operates a large, high-volume culinary operation serving a diverse international guest profile. As we continue elevating our standards toward a five-star experience, strong culinary leadership is essential to ensuring every plate reflects excellence.

The Executive Chef holds one of the most influential leadership roles in the hotel. Responsible for the overall performance of the kitchen operation, the Executive Chef must combine culinary vision with operational control across multiple outlets, conference catering, and banqueting functions.

You will feel right at home in this role if you bring proven leadership within large luxury hotels, understand the complexities of high-volume service, and have the ability to inspire teams while maintaining consistent five-star standards.

Minimum Requirements

• Matric Certificate (Grade 12)
• Formal culinary qualification (City & Guilds or equivalent)
• Minimum 8–10 years’ experience within professional kitchens
• At least 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership role such as Executive Chef
• Proven experience within 4 or 5-star luxury hotel environments
• Experience managing multiple F&B outlets, large banqueting operations, and conference catering
• Strong knowledge of food costing, menu engineering, and kitchen financial management
• Excellent leadership, organisational, and communication skills
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and kitchen compliance standards
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and public holidays
• Valid South African ID or work permit
• CV must be fully updated prior to submission

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Kitchen Management
Lead the overall kitchen operation, ensuring consistent five-star standards across all outlets, banqueting functions, and conference catering. Maintain strong culinary direction while overseeing day-to-day kitchen operations.

Menu Development & Culinary Innovation
Develop and refine menus across restaurants, events, and banqueting to align with the hotel’s luxury positioning. Collaborate with Food & Beverage leadership to ensure menus reflect both guest expectations and operational efficiency.

Operational Excellence
Ensure smooth service delivery across multiple outlets, managing high-volume operations with precision and consistency. Maintain strong kitchen organisation, service flow, and quality control.

Financial Management & Cost Control
Oversee food cost management, supplier relationships, purchasing, and stock control. Monitor kitchen budgets and ensure operational efficiency while maintaining product quality.

Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, train, and mentor the kitchen brigade. Build a culture of discipline, creativity, and collaboration while developing future culinary talent within the team.

Compliance & Kitchen Standards
Ensure strict compliance with food safety regulations, HACCP standards, and hotel policies. Maintain clean, organised, and inspection-ready kitchen environments.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strong culinary leadership and strategic vision
• Ability to manage large, high-volume kitchen operations
• Exceptional attention to quality and presentation
• Strong financial and operational management skills
• Inspiring leadership style with a focus on team development
• Calm, decisive, and solutions-driven under pressure

Why Work With Us

• Join one of Cape Town’s most iconic and evolving hotels
• Lead a dynamic kitchen operation across multiple outlets and events
• Play a key role in shaping the hotel’s journey toward luxury
• Work with a passionate Food & Beverage leadership team
• Competitive salary and executive-level employee benefits

Recruitment aligns with the company’s Employment Equity Plan.

Lead a kitchen where creativity meets scale, and where every service contributes to Cape Town’s most loved hotel becoming a true luxury destination.