Head Chef

Job Title: Head Chef
Location: Hermanus, Western Cape
Employment Type: [Full-time]

About Us:
Pear Tree is a vibrant and welcoming restaurant, known for its creative and high-quality dishes, fresh ingredients, and exceptional dining experience. We pride ourselves on providing guests with beautifully presented meals in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Role Overview:
We are seeking a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. The ideal candidate will have a strong culinary background, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards in food quality, presentation, and hygiene. You will be responsible for creating, planning, and executing menus, managing kitchen operations, and inspiring the team to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop, plan, and execute seasonal menus that reflect Pear Tree’s style and quality standards.

- Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, plating, and presentation.

- Lead, mentor, and motivate the kitchen team, fostering a collaborative and efficient environment.

- Ensure all dishes are prepared to the highest quality and consistency.

- Monitor food costs, inventory, and ordering to maintain profitability while minimizing waste.

- Maintain strict hygiene, safety, and sanitation standards in line with regulations.

- Collaborate with management to introduce new dishes, specials, and culinary events.

- Train and develop kitchen staff in cooking techniques, food handling, and presentation.

Requirements:

- Proven experience as a Head Chef or in a senior kitchen management role.

- Exceptional culinary skills and a creative approach to menu development.

- Strong leadership and team management abilities.

- Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen management standards.

- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and under pressure.

- Excellent organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

- Passion for delivering an outstanding dining experience.