Executive Chef

This role is suited to a hands-on culinary professional with strong leadership ability, excellent operational skills, and a passion for delivering exceptional guest dining experiences within a luxury lodge environment. The successful candidate will oversee all kitchen operations, staff development, menu creation, hygiene standards, and food presentation while maintaining the highest levels of quality and consistency throughout the guest experience.

Candidate Responsibilities:

• Oversee the overall food product and culinary standards for both guest and staff dining
• Lead and manage all kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, and consistency
• Develop seasonal menus based on guest profiles, available produce, and operational requirements
• Ensure food presentation aligns with established luxury hospitality styling standards
• Train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff and junior chefs to support growth and succession within the team
• Manage all kitchen administration including staff scheduling, hygiene controls, kitchen records, and operational procedures
• Maintain excellent stock control systems, ordering procedures, stock rotation, and waste management practices
• Ensure all food leaving the kitchen meets the highest quality standards
• Oversee staff kitchen and canteen standards through regular monitoring and guidance
• Maintain strong communication between the kitchen, lodge management, suppliers, and operational departments
• Build positive guest relationships through regular interaction and personalised hospitality
• Manage and accommodate guest dietary requirements and special requests professionally and efficiently
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is proactively maintained and operational
• Encourage creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement within the culinary offering
• Uphold excellent hygiene, food safety, and health standards at all times
• Lead by example through professionalism, discipline, and positive team leadership

Core Criteria:

• Formal culinary qualification essential
• Minimum 2 years’ management experience within a professional kitchen environment
• Previous experience within a luxury 5-star lodge or hospitality environment preferred
• Strong leadership and staff development skills
• Excellent understanding of food preparation, presentation, and kitchen hygiene standards
• Strong stock control, ordering, and kitchen administration experience
• Passion for food, creativity, and guest experience
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a remote lodge environment
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills
• Computer literacy essential
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining luxury hospitality standards
• Positive, energetic, and team-oriented personality with a genuine passion for hospitality

Package:

• Live-in position within a remote luxury lodge environment
• Meals and accommodation provided while on duty
• 2-Year Fixed-term contract position based in Tanzania
• Opportunity to work within a high-end international safari hospitality environment