Head Chef

Bright Placements•Paterson, NJ

About The Position

The Head Chef oversees standards and operations across the lodge kitchens on the reserve. The role includes regularly rotating through kitchens to implement standards and menus, train staff, and check hygiene, discipline, and brigade health. The Head Chef also contributes to management discussions, plans leave and rosters, recruits for vacant positions, and supports kitchen teams during busy periods or senior-staff absences. The position requires close communication with brigade seniors and Central Procurement, along with prompt resolution of staff- or food-related issues.

Requirements

Diploma from a culinary institution.
Valid driver's license.
Three to five years of experience in a similar position within a luxury game reserve, boutique hotel, or luxury restaurant.
Work history in a leadership role overseeing multiple kitchens and large brigades.
Computer literacy and ability to use Office suite.
Excellent understanding of special dietary needs.
Excellent communication skills.
Supportive leadership style while maintaining discipline through performance-management tools.
Physical fitness and a highly developed sense of taste and smell.

Responsibilities

Rotate regularly through the lodge kitchens to implement standards, new menus, and dishes; conduct training; and check hygiene standards, staff discipline, and brigade health.
Attend management meetings, provide feedback, and recommend ways to develop the department.
Plan annual leave, monthly leave cycles, and working rosters for chefs across the reserve cost-effectively while minimizing impact on the guest experience.
Maintain extremely high hygiene standards in the kitchens.
Interview and employ suitable candidates for vacant positions.
Continuously improve meal standards and presentation across all kitchens.
Act promptly and appropriately to resolve staff- or food-related issues.
Work alongside the chef brigade to support kitchens during busy periods or cover absences of senior staff.
Communicate with Central Procurement about food orders, food quality, and supplier issues.
Communicate regularly with Brigade Seniors to provide day-to-day support.