Executive Chef – Luxury Safari Lodge

About the role

&Beyond is looking for an experienced Executive Chef to lead the culinary team at Suyian Lodge in Laikipia, Kenya. The successful candidate oversees all daily kitchen operations, delivers exceptional food to guests and staff, manages food costs and kitchen administration, and develops the lodge's 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, rosters, leave and staffing, and accurate records
• Food safety and hygiene: HACCP compliance, allergens, cold chain, equipment maintenance, cleaning chemicals and staff grooming
• Menu planning: develop menus with the Regional Executive Chef using sustainable, locally sourced ingredients, keep recipes and costing, control waste and oversee bush dining and special events
• Staff management: train, coach and motivate the kitchen team, run daily briefings, manage performance and rosters, and promote retention and succession
• Guest delight: respond to complaints, host guests, lead pre-service meetings and aim for a minimum 95% food score

Required profile

• Service industry experience in 5-star luxury establishments
• Minimum 5+ years as an Executive Chef or in a comparable senior culinary leadership role
• Previous experience in a luxury safari lodge or similar remote hospitality setting is highly advantageous
• Excellent spoken and written English, computer literacy and ability to work independently in a remote environment

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
• Knowledge of international food trends, world cuisines and sustainable food practices