Our client, Pink Valley Wines & Restaurant is keen to recruit an exceptional Head Chef for their renowned restaurant, situated on one of Stellenbosch's most picturesque wine estates.
This opportunity is ideal for a passionate culinary professional who combines exceptional cooking ability with strong leadership skills. Our client is seeking a hands-on Head Chef who can inspire and develop a high-performing kitchen team while consistently delivering outstanding culinary experiences that reflect the quality and reputation of the Pink Valley brand.
Reporting to the COO, the successful candidate will take full responsibility for leading the kitchen operation, ensuring operational excellence, financial discipline and exceptional food quality. A key focus of the role is building and managing a motivated, engaged and high-performing kitchen team that consistently exceeds guest expectations.
Key Responsibilities will include: *Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team by fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement *Oversee the day-to-day operation of the kitchen, ensuring consistently exceptional food quality, presentation and service standards *Manage all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, stock control, purchasing, cost management and labour planning to achieve operational and financial objectives *Ensure the successful planning and execution of seasonal menus, special events and functions while maintaining consistency, quality and profitability *Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and health compliance, ensuring all kitchen procedures and legislative requirements are met *Build strong working relationships with front-of-house management, suppliers and fellow managers to deliver an outstanding guest experience and continuously improve operational performance. A more detailed job description is available upon request.
Essential qualifications, skills, and experience:
- Proven experience as a Head Chef or experienced Chef within a high-quality restaurant, hospitality or wine estate environment;
- Demonstrated experience leading, coaching and developing kitchen teams;
- Strong knowledge of food costing, stock management, purchasing and kitchen financial controls;
- Sound understanding of food safety, hygiene and health legislation;
- Excellent planning, organisational and communication skills;
- Relevant culinary qualification will be advantageous.
Please apply online at www.m3online.co.za before 09:00 on 12 August 2026.
For general enquiries, contact our team at M3 Human Capital Management on 021 863 1444.
Please note that only shortlisted candidates are contacted. If no feedback is received within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application was unsuccessful.