Head Chef

&Beyond is built, almost entirely, on the strength of remarkable people who give passionately to their roles, work tirelessly, have the guest experience at the core of their focus daily and care of the sustainability of our communities and environment. Every single &Beyonder makes a huge difference to our success and our contribution to the world, regardless of their role or function. For this reason we choose &Beyonders very carefully they are the strength and the future of this company.

This position would be responsible for the running of all food operations within Zuka Lodge including the Main Kitchen, Display Kitchen and the Staff Canteen.

OUTPUTS

• Run and supervise all kitchen operations for Zuka Lodge
• Ensure the highest health and hygiene standards are set and adhered to
• Sounds knowledge of correct usage of cleaning chemicals, ensuring adequate cleaning materials available at all times
• Abide by the menu set according to Food Styling Guide and approved by &Beyond Food Fundi
• Work with the &Beyond training chef when visits are conducted and be feedback fit
• Work with Executive Chef to ensure effective implementation of Chef Academy training program
• Presentation as discussed and according to Styling Guide
• Up to date with Whats Hot & Whats Not for & Beyond Food
• Through the Tummy of the Guest Bops
• Creative Bush Banqueting according to Food Styling Guide
• Quality and quantity control of all food items leaving the kitchen including those of snacks to game drives and Adventures.
• Bush banqueting, drink stops picnics etc. to have checklists etc.
• Rain (and weather) management plan in place
• Proactive maintenance of the food preparation environments
• Good stock controls and stock rotation
• Good interaction with Guests, Food Fundis and other & Beyond Chefs: Invite feedback, exchange ideas; suggestion-friendly; share experience
• Good discipline and fair treatment: Be a Role Model
• Good Teamwork to be promoted
• Have Fun and be Flexible
• Always be approachable
• Be aware of & make your follow chefs aware of special dietary needs for Guests.
• When special dietary Guests arrive at the lodge ensure that either yourself or another chef meets the Guest before their first meal to establish their requirements.
• Ensure you have "911" Emergency food stored in your freezer to be used in a crisis.
• Reports any issues/problems to management
• Strict food costs and awareness of budgets.
• Left-over management: left-overs to be discussed and processed every day
• Responsible for all food orders, storerooms and fridge and deepfreezes
• All fridges and refrigerators and storerooms to be kept locked and key control practised
• Good discipline and fair treatment: Chef to be a Role Model
• Always be approachable, innovative and able to work unsupervised
• The Chef is responsible to explain to the service team on duty what the different dishes are & what their ingredients are for breakfast, lunch & dinner
• Good communications with all team members at Zuka.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Communication skills - with guests and fellow staff members
• Standard of your work must exceed the standard of the lodge
• Good organisational ability
• Lateral thinking ability
• Handles pressure in a professional manner
• HACCP Knowledge
• Knowledge and experience with PANstrat would be advantageous
• Must adhere to World Class Hospitality and Service Standards
• Honest, have good integrity, proactive and driven person who has career ambitions
• Ability to mentor and train staff

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

• Hospitality
• Environment
• The surrounding communities
• The country
• Company Knowledge (&BEYOND as well as Africa Foundation)
• Valid unendorsed SA drivers license essential.

PREVIOUS WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Experience in the service industry especially in dealing with guests and staff
• All-rounder, knowledge of pastry and hot section
• At least 3+ years relevant experience
• Passion for creating fabulous food
• Passion for kitchen management including all kitchen administration, general hygiene and people management

This is a permanent live-in position, based on Phinda

Transport to/from leave cycles is the successful candidates own responsibility