Executive Chef - Luxury Safari Lodge

About the role

&Beyond is hiring an Executive Chef for its Suyian lodge in Nairobi (Westlands). The chef oversees all daily kitchen operations, delivers exceptional food to guests and staff, manages food costs and kitchen administration, and develops the culinary offering. The role suits someone with previous experience in a luxury lodge, a strong grasp of remote-location operations and a passion for guest delight, sustainability and people development.

Key responsibilities

• Kitchen administration: cost management within budget, ordering and purchasing, inventory, monthly stocktakes, food cost monitoring, equipment reporting, rosters, leave and records
• Food safety and hygiene: HACCP, allergens, cold chain, cleaning chemicals, equipment maintenance, staff grooming and safety inspections
• Menu planning: develop menus with the Regional Executive Chef using sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, keep recipes and costing, control waste, oversee bush dining and special events, review guest feedback and aim for at least 95% food scores
• Staff management: train, coach and develop the kitchen team, run daily briefings, set performance expectations, handle disciplinary matters and ensure food safety training
• Guest delight: engage guests, handle food complaints, lead pre-service meetings and work with the General Manager, Lodge Manager and other heads of department

Required profile

• Service industry experience in 5-star luxury establishments; 5+ years as an Executive Chef or equivalent senior culinary leadership role
• Previous experience in a luxury safari lodge or similar remote hospitality setting is highly advantageous
• Demonstrated experience leading, training and developing a kitchen team, and in menu development, costing, stock management and kitchen administration
• A recognised culinary degree or diploma

Required skills

• Luxury hospitality and lodge operations
• Food safety, hygiene and HACCP
• Menu development, recipe costing and food-cost management
• Stock control, procurement and remote logistics
• Excellent spoken and written English, leadership, organisation and cost-control abilities