Head Chef

A Head Chef is needed in Empangeni. The role focuses on consistent delivery, accurate work and clear communication across the KwaZulu-Natal operation.

About the Opportunity

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

In addition, 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.

Reasonable working hours and respectful planning are part of how the role runs. The team values strong delivery, and load is balanced fairly across the hospitality jobs group in Empangeni.

Quality is everyone’s job. Whether the Head Chef is processing a transaction, supporting a colleague or handling a customer query, the standard expected in KwaZulu-Natal is consistently high and consistently fair.

Working in Empangeni

Empangeni continues to grow as an employment hub in KwaZulu-Natal, with close to the Durban Harbour logistics hub. 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.

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 Empangeni.

If you are relocating, the team can share practical pointers on neighbourhoods, transport and the typical pace of life in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal.

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

Your Team

Practically speaking, the team you will be working with is fast-paced and energetic. Things move quickly across the Empangeni office, and the people who thrive here are the ones who plan ahead, communicate openly and pick up the slack when KwaZulu-Natal operations get busy.

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.

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

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

Your Workplace

Practically speaking, 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.

On top of that, a respectful, professional environment is the standard in KwaZulu-Natal. Bullying, harassment and unfair conduct have no place here, and managers are trained to act decisively when concerns are raised.

Importantly, 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.

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

Equal Opportunity

Diverse teams build stronger workplaces. Applications are welcome from candidates of every background, language and community across KwaZulu-Natal, and recruitment is fair, transparent and aligned with the EE Act.

Inclusive hiring extends through onboarding and into how teams operate every day. Respectful, fair conduct is expected from every team member in Empangeni.

Practical steps back the words. Structured EE reporting, transformation initiatives and learnership programmes give real opportunities to candidates from across KwaZulu-Natal.

B-BBEE compliance is more than a scorecard here. It informs how the business invests in skills development, supplier diversity and community engagement across the country.

Career Growth

This role can grow with you. Strong performers in the hospitality jobs team in Empangeni have moved into senior, supervisory and specialist positions, and that journey is supported through coaching, training and exposure to bigger projects.

Internal mobility is encouraged. People who start in Empangeni have moved into roles in other branches, specialist functions and project teams across KwaZulu-Natal.

Training is a mix of formal courses, structured on-the-job learning and exposure to broader projects, all geared at building practical skills.

Growth conversations happen at a regular cadence — not just at year-end — so the path forward stays current and realistic for every Empangeni team member.

Your Role

• Drive guest satisfaction scores and online review ratings
• 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
• Respond promptly to guest requests, complaints and special needs

Who We’re Looking For

• 1-3 years’ experience in a similar hospitality environment
• Matric / National Senior Certificate (Grade 12)
• Relevant hospitality qualification or culinary diploma (advantageous)
• Sound knowledge of food safety and HACCP principles
• Ability to work shifts, weekends and public holidays

Beyond that, if your CV speaks to the points above, this role is worth a closer look.