Executive Chef

Recruiter:

Merand Corbett & Associates

Job Ref:

CPT002313/Doret

Date posted:

Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Location:

Stellenbosch, South Africa

SUMMARY:
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced, passionate and commercially minded Executive Chef to lead a high-performing kitchen operation. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring someone who thrives in a busy hospitality environment and leads by example.

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering exceptional food quality, maintaining operational excellence, driving profitability and developing a motivated, high-performing culinary team.

POSITION INFO:
Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage all daily kitchen operations.
Remain actively involved in food preparation and service.
Ensure consistently high food quality, presentation and service standards.
Develop menus, recipes and seasonal offerings.
Manage food costs, budgets, stock control and gross profit.
Oversee purchasing, supplier relationships and inventory management.
Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene and health regulations.
Recruit, train, mentor and develop kitchen staff.
Manage staff rosters, performance and productivity.
Drive continuous improvement in kitchen efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Support catering requirements for functions and events.

Team Management
The Executive Chef will oversee and lead a kitchen brigade consisting of:

2 Sous Chefs
1 Chef de Partie
2 Sushi Chefs
2 Demi Chef de Parties
2 First Cooks
3 Pizza Chefs
4 Scullers
1 Storeman
1 Waste & Recycling Attendant

Minimum Requirements

Diploma in Culinary Arts (essential).
Hospitality Management qualification advantageous.
Minimum 5 years' experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Head Chef within a high-volume hospitality environment.
Proven experience leading and developing large kitchen teams.
Strong financial acumen with experience managing food costs, budgets and stock control.
Excellent menu planning and supplier management experience.
Sound knowledge of food safety, HACCP and health regulations.
Computer literacy (MS Office and kitchen/POS management systems).

Skills & Attributes

Exceptional culinary expertise.
Strong leadership and people management skills.
Commercially minded with sound financial acumen.
Excellent planning and organisational ability.
Calm under pressure with strong problem-solving skills.
Passion for delivering exceptional food and customer experiences.
Hands-on leader who leads by example and enjoys working alongside the team.
High attention to detail and commitment to maintaining exceptional standards.

Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a hands-on Executive Chef who is visible in the kitchen and leads from the front. The ideal candidate is passionate about food, committed to developing their team, and capable of managing a busy kitchen while consistently delivering outstanding quality, operational excellence and an exceptional guest experience.

**ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED**

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