Lodge Executive Chef | Tanzania

𝗝𝗗 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 is recruiting on behalf of an ultra-luxury safari lodge collection in the Serengeti ecosystem of Tanzania for an experienced and creative 𝗘𝗫𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗘𝗙.

This role suits a senior culinary leader who is as comfortable executing an intimate bush dinner under the stars as they are leading a full kitchen brigade. The right person will have a genuine passion for honest, ingredient-led cooking — food that is rooted in place, shaped by seasonality, and reflective of the landscape and people around them. An equal commitment to developing local talent is essential: this is as much a people and legacy role as it is a culinary one.

The successful candidate will take full ownership of the culinary operation — from daily kitchen management and food quality across all dining formats (breakfast, lunch, dinner, bush dining and special events) to the longer-term work of mentoring local chefs, managing food cost and supplier relationships, and contributing to a community culinary programme that creates meaningful career pathways for people from the surrounding area.

📌 A food portfolio must be submitted with your application that clearly displays your creativity, innovation and attention to detail. (All images will be checked to ensure ownership).

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

• Lead, mentor and develop the kitchen brigade, building a strong, capable team with a clear succession pathway for local culinary talent to grow within the operation.
• Design and deliver menus and food experiences across all dining outlets that reflect local landscape, seasonality and regional culinary tradition, while maintaining the highest standards of creativity and quality.
• Oversee all day-to-day kitchen operations including food safety, hygiene, quality control and consistency across breakfast, lunch, dinner, bush dining and special events.
• Manage food cost, stock control, ordering and supplier relationships, with a strong preference for local and community-based sourcing wherever possible.
• Partner with the General Manager and People team on recruitment, onboarding, performance management and the welfare of the kitchen team.
• Maintain accurate kitchen records, food cost reporting and other documentation required for group-level reporting.
• Support guest experience innovation — contributing to seasonal menu changes, special guest requests and events in collaboration with the broader culinary leadership team.
• Champion sustainability, employee wellness and community development initiatives, fostering positive engagement across the kitchen team and surrounding communities.

𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 & 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

• Minimum 8–10 years’ progressive culinary experience, including at least 3–5 years in an Executive Chef or senior Head Chef role — ideally within a luxury lodge, safari or high-end hospitality environment.
• Proven experience training, mentoring and developing local culinary talent, with a genuine commitment to succession and community upliftment.
• Strong grounding in classical culinary technique, comfortably applied to seasonal, honest, ingredient-led cooking rather than imported or overly complex styles.
• Solid experience managing kitchen budgets, food cost, stock control and supplier/sourcing relationships, including local and community-based sourcing.
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and retain a motivated, high-performing kitchen team.
• Menu development and creative direction experience — with the ability to design food journeys rather than standalone dishes.
• Adaptability, resilience and problem-solving ability — comfortable operating in a remote wilderness environment with the logistical demands that come with it.
• Proficiency with kitchen management and reporting systems, and comfort contributing to group-level culinary reporting.

𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘆- On application.

𝗘𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗼𝘆𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁- Live-in. Accommodation provided.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁: As soon as possible.

📌𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗘- Although we appreciate all applications received, we will only reply to those candidates who have the background and experience required. Thank you.