Work-Force
A vacancy has been confirmed for a Head Chef based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. The successful candidate will join an established team within the hospitality jobs function.
About This Position
The organisation is investing in its Queenstown 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.
Expect a structured first ninety days, with onboarding milestones, regular check-ins, and an early focus on getting comfortable with the systems and processes that underpin the Queenstown team.
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 Queenstown.
Working in Queenstown
Queenstown continues to grow as an employment hub in Eastern Cape, with close to the East London Industrial Park. 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.
Candidates should review the listed location, schedule and travel requirements before applying for this role in Queenstown, Eastern Cape.
Many candidates already living within reach of Queenstown 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.
Career Growth
This role can grow with you. Strong performers in the hospitality jobs team in Queenstown have moved into senior, supervisory and specialist positions, and that journey is supported through coaching, training and exposure to bigger projects.
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 Queenstown team member.
Day in the Life
Your shift usually starts with a brief from the duty manager, a quick station check and a look at the day’s bookings or specials. As guests arrive, you slip into a steady rhythm — warm welcomes, accurate orders and seamless coordination with the kitchen and bar. Service peaks demand calm focus and tight teamwork, and quieter moments are spent resetting tables, polishing glassware or training a new starter. When the last guest leaves happy, you know you have delivered a memorable hospitality experience.
No two days look exactly the same — and that variety is part of what keeps the role engaging for the right candidate in Queenstown.
Crucially, the rhythm rewards people who plan ahead but also pivot quickly when Eastern Cape operations throw up the unexpected.
Daily Duties
- Respond promptly to guest requests, complaints and special needs
- Maintain the required hygiene and uniform standards in line with safety and service policy during all shifts
- Support events, banquets and conference operations
- Drive guest satisfaction scores and online review ratings
- Maintain cleanliness in front-of-house and back-of-house areas
- Operate point-of-sale systems and reconcile end-of-shift takings
Essential Criteria
- Sound knowledge of food safety and HACCP principles
- Relevant hospitality qualification or culinary diploma (advantageous)
- Genuine passion for hospitality, food and creating memorable experiences
- Team player who can work collaboratively across departments
- Able to remain on duty for the essential standing and service tasks, with reasonable accommodation where applicable
- Awareness of tourism grading and quality expectations
- 1-3 years’ experience in a similar hospitality environment
Each application is reviewed carefully, and strong matches against the criteria above will move forward in the process.