Chef de Cuisine

About the role

The Chef de Cuisine will lead all culinary operations for Ochre Restaurant, Vista Kitchen, and In‑Room Dining at One&Only Cape Town. This senior position blends hands‑on cooking expertise with strategic leadership to deliver ultra‑luxury dining experiences for discerning guests.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring top‑tier food quality, hygiene, and presentation.
• Design and execute innovative, luxury‑standard menus.
• Train, mentor and develop culinary teams to enhance performance and guest satisfaction.
• Maintain strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, health and company policies.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, productivity and kitchen budgets to meet operational goals.
• Engage with guests, handle feedback and resolve concerns to create exceptional experiences.
• Control food purchasing, inventory, production planning and cost management.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, professionalism and continuous improvement.

Required profile

• Culinary qualification from a recognized hospitality or culinary institution.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar leadership role within a 5‑star luxury or ultra‑luxury hospitality environment.
• Strong leadership, coaching and people‑development abilities.
• Excellent organizational, planning and problem‑solving skills.
• Results‑driven with solid financial and operational acumen.
• Passion for culinary excellence, innovation and unforgettable guest experiences.

Required skills

• Culinary arts
• Menu development
• Food safety compliance
• Inventory control
• Cost and budget management