Head Chef

This is a current vacancy. Role: Head Chef. Location: Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. The team is hiring and seeks a candidate who can step in and deliver from week one.

What This Role Involves

The organisation is investing in its Mdantsane operation, and this Head Chef position reflects that commitment. The successful candidate will work across the hospitality jobs function and contribute to the wider Eastern Cape business.

Equally, the organisation keeps reporting lines clean and expectations realistic. Performance is measured against a small, agreed set of metrics, and there are no surprise yardsticks for the Head Chef taking on this position.

Equally, the role has been written to be sustainable, not just busy. Strong output is expected, and managers in Mdantsane also pay attention to recovery, learning and the kind of breathing room that keeps people doing good work over time.

Stakeholders for this position include line managers, peers across the hospitality jobs team and trusted external partners. Building those relationships early makes the next twelve months in Mdantsane much easier.

What We Offer

Few roles let you see the impact of your work as quickly as this one. Every shift, project and decision in Mdantsane contributes to real outcomes for clients and colleagues across the hospitality jobs space in Eastern Cape.

Recognition matters here. Strong performers are noticed quickly, and many promotions across the business have started in the Mdantsane teams.

In addition, the company reinvests in its people: paid training, internal moves and the chance to take on bigger projects are all part of how careers in Mdantsane keep progressing.

Benefits are clear and consistent. Beyond the package on offer, the role includes the supports you would expect from an established South African employer in Eastern Cape.

Where You’ll Work

Notably, the environment is service-led and people-centred. Expect varied hours, a high tempo during peaks, and a team culture built on hospitality and pride in the guest experience.

A respectful, professional environment is the standard in Eastern Cape. Bullying, harassment and unfair conduct have no place here, and managers are trained to act decisively when concerns are raised.

Health, safety and well-being are taken seriously. Current policies and procedures are maintained, and the Mdantsane site adheres to the standards expected of a responsible South African employer.

Beyond that, the working environment is set up to give the team the focus needed for deeper work, while keeping collaboration and quick problem-solving close at hand.

Based in Mdantsane

Mdantsane continues to grow as an employment hub in Eastern Cape, with in the growing Buffalo City Metro. This role gives you a foothold in one of its busier business communities, with access to the local services, suppliers and partners that keep the work moving.

Many candidates already living within reach of Mdantsane cite the location as one of the role’s quiet wins, with shorter commutes and a real sense of being plugged into the local Eastern Cape economy.

Accessibility is taken seriously: where the role allows, the team works toward a balance of in-office presence and flexibility for candidates based in and around Mdantsane.

If you are relocating, the team can share practical pointers on neighbourhoods, transport and the typical pace of life in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape.

Your Team

You will join a tight-knit, collaborative team that knows the hospitality jobs side of the business inside out. The Mdantsane group is a healthy mix of experienced operators and newer joiners, all of whom share a strong commitment to delivery and to one another.

Crucially, the team mix in Mdantsane reflects a balance of experienced operators and emerging talent, with deliberate space for diverse voices and backgrounds.

Collaboration is the default working mode. Whether picking up a quick query or working through a complex project, you will find colleagues willing to lean in and help.

Line management is hands-on without being heavy. Expect regular one-to-ones, honest feedback and the support needed to do good work consistently.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain the required uniform and presentation standards during all shifts
• Maintain cleanliness in front-of-house and back-of-house areas
• Promote menu items, daily specials and loyalty programmes
• Welcome guests warmly and ensure a smooth check-in and check-out experience
• Take orders accurately and deliver food and beverages to standard
• Comply with food safety, hygiene and health regulations at all times
• Coordinate with kitchen, housekeeping and front-office teams

Who We’re Looking For

• 1-3 years’ experience in a similar hospitality environment
• Good verbal communication skills in English; second language an advantage
• Relevant hospitality qualification or culinary diploma (advantageous)
• Computer literacy and experience with POS systems
• Genuine passion for hospitality, food and creating memorable experiences
• Awareness of tourism grading and quality expectations
• Willing to follow the company’s uniform and grooming policy on shift

Importantly, if most of these boxes are ticked, you are encouraged to put your name forward.