Head Chef - Five-Star Boutique Lodge

About the role

The Gorge, a five-star award-winning boutique lodge near Port Shepstone in KwaZulu-Natal, is looking for a Head Chef for August 2026. The lodge has 8 rooms (16 guests) and can host up to 40 guests for functions or special events. Meals are served in the fine dining restaurant, the bistro pool restaurant, the boma, bush picnics and high teas.

Key responsibilities

• Keep abreast of food trends and develop menus regularly, including daily planning for breakfast, lunch, dinner, high tea and events
• Maintain kitchen policies and procedures, oversee food preparation and quality control, and manage food control and wastage
• Manage and lead at least 3 to 4 junior chefs, train and develop them, and run the kitchen roster with off and leave days
• Maintain good stock control and equipment maintenance

Required profile

• Chef diploma or similar qualification from a reputable cookery or chef school
• At least 3-5 years as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef
• Previous experience in a 5-star boutique lodge or hotel is essential
• Own reliable transport is essential

Required skills

• Good wine knowledge and wine pairing
• Excellent organisational and people skills, self-motivated and disciplined
• A passion for fine dining; pastry and baking experience is beneficial
• Field-to-fork approach using locally grown and farmed ingredients, and a good understanding of nutrition, food allergies and dietary restrictions

What we offer

• Salary from R18 000 upwards, depending on qualifications and experience
• Accommodation provided