Lodge Chef / Head Chef

Job Description

Lodge Chef / Head Chef – Luxury Lodge | Bela Bela

Salary : R10,000 – R15,000 Negotiable DOE | Live-In

Work Cycle : 21 days on / 7 days off

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking a passionate and experienced Lodge Chef / Head Chef to join a well-established luxury lodge in the heart of the Limpopo bushveld. This live-in role is ideal for a dedicated culinary professional who enjoys working in remote locations and creating memorable dining experiences for both local and international guests.

Key Responsibilities :

Prepare and present meals of a high standard for lodge guests (breakfast, lunch, dinner, bush dinners, etc.).

Plan weekly menus based on guest preferences, dietary requirements, and available ingredients.

Manage kitchen stock, place grocery orders, and maintain supplier relationships.

Maintain hygiene, food safety, and cleanliness standards in the kitchen.

Coordinate with lodge management and service staff to ensure a seamless guest experience.

Oversee kitchen assistants and ensure smooth daily kitchen operations.

Create special dining experiences, including boma dinners and bush breakfasts.

Lead, train, and supervise kitchen staff to maintain high culinary standards.

Innovate and develop seasonal or themed menus to enhance the guest experience.

Requirements :

Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Chef in a lodge, hotel, or safari camp environment.

Skilled in bush cuisine and creative menu planning with limited resources.

Strong understanding of plated and buffet-style service.

Experience accommodating dietary restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, etc.).

Formal culinary training or equivalent experience preferred.

Ability to work in a remote environment and live on-site.

Strong organisational, leadership, and communication skills.

Team player with a “can-do” attitude and attention to detail.

Passionate about hospitality and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Package Offered :

Competitive salary (R10,000 – R15,000 depending on experience).

Live-in accommodation provided.

Work cycle : 21 days on / 7 days off.

Gratuities and tips directly from guests.

Opportunity to work in a beautiful, conservation-focused environment.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled and motivated Chef to lead a lodge kitchen, creating exceptional culinary experiences in a stunning bushveld setting.