Head Chef for Roastery Café in Paarl

About the role

An established roastery café in the heart of Paarl is looking for a hands‑on, passionate Head Chef to lead kitchen operations, elevate the daytime dining experience and ensure smooth, efficient service.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee all food preparation, cooking and plating for busy breakfast and lunch services, maintaining high culinary standards.
• Lead, train and mentor a small kitchen team, fostering a collaborative, high‑performance environment.
• Execute current menus with precision and collaborate on seasonal updates and specials.
• Manage stock levels, ingredient ordering, supplier relationships and waste minimisation to optimise food cost margins.
• Assist front‑of‑house during peak periods, ensuring seamless communication and exceptional guest service.
• Maintain strict health, safety, hygiene and HACCP standards across kitchen and storage areas.

Required profile

• 3‑5 years of experience as a Chef, Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager in a fast‑paced café, bistro or restaurant.
• Strong culinary background with a flair for fresh breakfast and lunch dishes.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a small kitchen team.
• Hands‑on, adaptable approach with willingness to support front‑of‑house operations.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and aptitude for stock control and costing.
• Formal culinary qualification is advantageous.
• Valid South African work rights and flexibility to work weekends and public holidays.

Required skills

• HACCP compliance and food safety knowledge.
• Stock control and costing expertise.

What we offer

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Supportive, dynamic work environment within a growing hospitality brand.