Hiring: Head Chef at Empact Group Food Solutions, Stellenbosch. Qualified Chef with tertiary education and proven financial acumen (GP% management) required. Lead menu innovation and operational excellence. Apply by 31 January 2026!
Company: Empact Group
Location: Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Job Type: Fixed-Term Contract
Division: Food Solutions
Experience Level: Mid-Senior (Associate)
Closing Date: 31 January 2026
Role Purpose
Empact Group is seeking a visionary and disciplined Head Chef to lead our food production operations in Stellenbosch. This role is the cornerstone of our kitchen, responsible for bridging the gap between culinary creativity and commercial viability. You will develop seasonal menus, establish standardized recipes, and oversee the entire production lifecycle—ensuring every dish meets our high standards of quality, innovation, and profitability.
Key Areas of Impact
Culinary Innovation & Production
- Menu Engineering: Develop and plan seasonal, innovative menus that reflect modern trends, including visual displays and “grab-and-go” solutions.
- Standardization: Establish precise recipes and food purchase specifications to ensure consistency across all production activities.
- Execution & Evaluation: Coordinate and supervise all food production, continuously evaluating output to ensure excellence in taste, presentation, and cost.
Financial & Procurement Management
- GP% Optimization: Manage menu costings and production waste to hit target Gross Profit percentages.
- Stock Control: Maintain accurate records for tiebacks, waste tracking, and par levels to minimize shrinkage and maximize efficiency.
- Procurement: Oversee the ordering of all kitchen and menu-related supplies, ensuring high-quality inputs within budgetary constraints.
Operational Leadership & Compliance
- Kitchen Governance: Manage the strategic and day-to-day operations of the kitchen, enforcing strict compliance with OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) standards.
- Team Leadership: Supervise the production team, managing working hours, disciplinary procedures, and fostering a high-performance, professional culture.
- Customer Excellence: Support site management in maintaining world-class service standards during daily dining operations.
What You Need to Succeed
Minimum Requirements
- Education: Relevant tertiary qualification in Hospitality or equivalent professional experience.
- Certification: Must be a Qualified Chef with a deep portfolio of culinary expertise.
- Environment: Comprehensive knowledge of diverse catering environments, ranging from fine dining to high-volume restaurant service.
- Legislation: Strong understanding of South African food safety and industry-specific labor legislation.
Core Competencies
- Financial Acumen: Demonstrated experience in budget management and aggressive cost control.
- Innovation: Ability to drive modern food trends and creative plate presentation.
- Management: Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage a diverse team in a fast-paced environment.
Kitchen Strategy Overview
[Table: Key Performance Indicators for the Head Chef] | Focus Area | Objective | | :— | :— | | Menu Innovation | Seasonal rotation and modern “Grab-and-Go” trends. | | Financials | Maintenance of target GP% through waste and cost control. | | Safety | 100% Compliance with OHS and Food Safety legislation. | | Leadership | Management of team performance and disciplinary SOPs. |
How to Apply
If you are a culinary leader with the perfect blend of creativity and business savvy, please submit your application through the Empact Group Careers Portal.
Note: Empact Group is an equal opportunity employer. Your personal information will be processed securely in accordance with the POPI Act.