Talent.com
Mama Shelter
Head ChefMama Shelter • Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA
No longer accepting applications
Head Chef

Head Chef

Mama Shelter • Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA
27 days ago
Job description

Founded in 2008 by Serge Trigano and his sons Jérémie and Benjamin (co-founders of Club Med), Mama Shelter is a creator of living spaces and a daily director!

These are atypical places, where everyone feels at home, places born of a blend of influences, freedoms, sensations and emotions. Each Mama tells the story of the city in which it is located, and all influences blend together. We offer our guests a joyful atmosphere and exceptional service at an affordable price.

More than just rooms and restaurants, Mama Shelter is a dynamic, a vibe: they are true urban refuges, not only aesthetically pleasing and modern but also popular, welcoming and sexy.

Whatever your role, we’re all here to make the customer experience as unforgettable as possible.

Our mission: to bring little moments of happiness to people.

Our growth has enabled us to offer our teams great career paths through internal development and international mobility, and it's not a question of diplomas or years of experience.

Mama Shelter is part of Ennismore, a creative hotel group rooted in cultures and destinations, with a global portfolio of brands. Ennismore is a joint venture with Accor, founded in 2021.

------------------------------

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion:

Mama is an inclusive company, and our ambition is to recruit and promote diverse talent.

Job Description

You are the creative force behind Mama’s culinary identity — the one who turns food into emotion, theatre, and unforgettable moments.

As our Head Chef, you don’t just run a kitchen—you lead a stage where energy, precision, and creativity come together in every dish.

You set the rhythm of service, inspire your brigade, and bring bold, memorable flavours that define Mama’s dining experience.

Here’s what you’ll be responsible for:

  • Define and evolve Mama’s culinary direction in line with the lifestyle concept
  • Create bold, innovative menus that balance creativity, profitability, and consistency
  • Bring seasonal inspiration, local influence, and global flair to every plate
  • Lead the kitchen brigade with energy, discipline, and presence on the pass
  • Ensure smooth, efficient service across all meal periods and events
  • Drive high performance, structure, and pride within the team
  • Manage food cost, wastage, and kitchen labour within agreed targets
  • Support revenue growth through menu engineering and strategic pricing
  • Deliver consistent quality while protecting profitability
  • Recruit, train, and develop a high-performing, diverse kitchen team
  • Build a culture of respect, accountability, and creativity under pressure
  • Inspire chefs to grow, perform, and take ownership of their craft
  • Work closely with the Restaurant, Bar, and Events teams to deliver seamless experiences
  • Align culinary execution with brand activations and guest experiences
  • Partner with suppliers to ensure quality, innovation, and consistency
  • Maintain exceptional standards across taste, presentation, hygiene, and consistency
  • Ensure compliance with all HACCP, safety, and kitchen regulations
  • Continuously refine processes to elevate kitchen performance
  • Bring storytelling to the plate through bold, expressive, and memorable dishes
  • Support events, pop-ups, and activations with creative culinary input
  • Help shape Mama as a true dining destination, not just a restaurant

Qualifications

  • You have strong senior culinary leadership experience in high-volume or lifestyle hospitality kitchens
  • You are a natural leader who thrives in fast-paced, high‑pressure kitchen environments
  • You are commercially aware with strong control of food cost, waste, and margins
  • You are highly organised, structured, and operationally disciplined
  • You are present on the pass and lead from the heart of the kitchen, not the office
  • You are passionate about flavour, innovation, and delivering standout guest experiences
  • You can lead large, diverse teams while maintaining consistency and energy
  • You bring creativity, resilience, and strong communication skills to every service
  • Lifestyle or high‑volume branded experience? Even better
  • You know how to turn a kitchen into the heartbeat of a social dining experience
  • You bring bold ideas, precision, and Mama personality every day

Additional Information

Next, we’re sure you know the tune:

  • First melody: At Mama, no AI! We review your application in person and take the time to understand your background.
  • First verse: We organise an initial telephone interview with our People & Culture Team to see if your application fits in with our rhythm.
  • Chorus: Once you've passed the phone interview, we'll arrange a remote meeting or a meeting at Mama to meet the Gang!
  • Last verse: Naturally, you'll receive a response from us within two to three weeks at the latest, whether it's a or a.

By clicking the link above or any third-party link within this posting, you are leaving this site and going to a third-party website where the third-party website's terms and privacy policy apply

#J-18808-Ljbffr
Create a job alert for this search

Head Chef • Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA

Similar jobs

Sales Executive

EmplyfyAtlantis, WC, ZA

We’re a UK-based cleaning company providing Residential and End of Tenancy cleaning.You’ll manage incoming leads, explain service options, and secure bookings while maintaining excellent customer s... Show more

Sales Operations Executive

EmplyfyBlouberg, WC, ZA

We’re a UK cleaning company and we’re looking for a.You’ll manage warm leads, provide excellent engagement, and convert enquiries into confirmed bookings.Advise clients on appropriate cleaning serv... Show more

Senior Sous Chef | The Silo Hotel

The Royal PortfolioCape Town, ZA

The Senior Sous Chef at The Silo Hotel is responsible for assisting the Executive Chef in the overall kitchen operation as a successful independent profit centre.With a particular focus on our flag... Show more

 • Promoted

Head of New Leasing & Acquisitions

Complete TalentCape Town, ZA

Head of New Leasing & Acquisitions This role is responsible for growing and managing a property portfolio, mainly through leasing, acquisitions, developments, and financial performance in the reta... Show more

 • Promoted

Sales Support Specialist

EmplyfyBlouberg, WC, ZA

You’ll assist in managing leads, coordinating follow-ups, and ensuring customers receive timely responses and smooth service.Support the sales team with lead tracking and updates.Follow up with cli... Show more

PGRE Head of South Africa – Cape Town

PepsiCoCape Town, ZA

The EMEA region continues to expand and integrate, as a result South Africa market is in the emergence of projects that will require PGRE to collaborate with the business and develop execution stra... Show more

 • Promoted

Head of Retail - Cape Town

Top Talent Professional ServicesCape Town, ZA

Head of Retail: Position Purpose This role is responsible and accountable for the overall strategy, sales, marketing, profitability and operations of the Retail (own store network), Direct to Con... Show more

 • Promoted

Regional Head of Sales - Western Cape & KZN | Drive Wellness Through High-Performance Teams

Virgin Active South AfricaCape Town,South Africa
Quick Apply

Our mission is to create an environment where wellness works for everyone.At Virgin Active wellness is not just about fitness- it’s about creating real experiences thatsupport members in their ho... Show more

Business Development Coordinator

EmplyfyAtlantis, WC, ZA

We’re a UK-based cleaning company looking for a driven.Business Development Coordinator.Residential and End of Tenancy client base.You’ll coordinate new business efforts, manage leads, and work wit... Show more

Sales Specialist

EmplyfyAtlantis, WC, ZA

We’re a UK cleaning company specialising in Residential and end-of-tenancy cleaning.Client Solutions Sales Specialist.You’ll engage with warm leads, recommend services, and secure confirmed booking... Show more

Sous Chef

One&Only ResortsCape Town, ZA

To assist the Chef de Cuisine in the co-ordination and supervision of the running of the kitchen department with the aim of maintaining the standards and of achieving maximum guest satisfaction.To ... Show more

 • Promoted

B2C Sales Consultant

EmplyfyMelkbosstrand, WC, ZA

We’re expanding our cleaning business across the UK and are seeking a persuasive.You’ll connect with homeowners and tenants, explain service options, and secure bookings that meet customer expectat... Show more

Remote Sales Consultant

EmplyfyBlouberg, WC, ZA
Remote

We’re a growing UK cleaning company looking for an enthusiastic.You’ll connect with warm leads remotely, discuss cleaning solutions, and convert enquiries into confirmed bookings.Handle warm leads ... Show more

Virtual Sales Advisor

EmplyfyMelkbosstrand, WC, ZA

We provide Residential and End of Tenancy cleaning across the UK.You’ll advise clients, recommend services, and maintain strong client relationships remotely.Convert warm leads into bookings.Recomm... Show more

Junior Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Officer

The Legends Agencyatlantis, Western Cape, ZA

Junior Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Officer Support the implementation and maintenance of health and safety systems in a high-output manufacturing environment.Atlantis Industrial Area, Weste... Show more

 • Promoted

Hospitality General Manager (Heritage Site)

ARVOCape Town, Western Cape, ZA

Hospitality General Manager - Location: Cornwall (ideal candidate based in South Africa who will relocate to the UK) - Salary: Competitive with benefits - Start Date: As soon as possible Our clie... Show more

 • Promoted

Executive Head: International | Cape town

The Recruitment CouncilCape Town, ZA

Our client is seeking a visionary and results-driven Executive Head to lead their international business unit.This pivotal role involves managing a complex, structurally separate international inve... Show more

 • Promoted

Sales Advisor

EmplyfyAtlantis, WC, ZA

We’re a UK cleaning company providing Residential and End of Tenancy services.You’ll manage warm leads, recommend services, and secure bookings while maintaining strong client relationships.Convert... Show more

Lead Generation Executive

EmplyfyBlouberg, WC, ZA

We’re a trusted UK cleaning company offering cleaning services.We’re looking for an energetic.You’ll focus on generating and qualifying leads, initiating contact, and handing over warm opportunitie... Show more

Sous Chef

Belmond Mount Nelson HotelCape Town, ZA

Primary Responsibilities Include.To work alongside the Executive Chef to manage daily kitchen activities, including overseeing staff, assisting with menu preparation, ensuring food quality and fres... Show more