A rare opportunity as Culinary Director has become available with an international hospitality group to be based in Cape town, with international travel.
As Culinary Director you'll be leading the development & delivery of culinary concepts for a variety of top-end hospitality clients. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of all forms of top-end dining, global food trends, international cuisines & the operational rigor behind high-performing kitchens.
Key Responsibilities:
• Spearhead culinary concept development & menu strategy for a variety of top-end clientele, ranging from hotels, resorts, event platforms, restaurants & hospitality groups.
• Work closely with client stakeholders to design bespoke F&B experiences.
• Oversee kitchen design consultations, layout planning, equipment specifications, & operational flow.
• Develop signature menus and SOPs, ensuring consistency, innovation, & profitability
• Conduct site visits, operational audits, & quality assessments to elevate culinary performance.
• Lead training & mentorship for chefs and BOH teams, instilling a culture of excellence.
• Advise on sourcing, sustainability, & local ingredient integration tailored to regional markets.
• Collaborate with architects, designers, & branding teams to bring culinary visions to life.
• Maintain awareness of international culinary movements and competitive benchmarks.
• Contribute to marketing, brand positioning, and storytelling through culinary design and presentation.
Requirements:
• Degree or diploma in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or related discipline.
• Ability to travel regularly
• 10+ years of culinary leadership experience, with a minimum of 5 years in executive chef or culinary director position
• Experienced in top-end F&B environments with an good understanding of global cuisines.
• Professional certifications in HACCP, nutrition, or food safety standards are advantageous.