Executive Chef

An exclusive, 14-suite safari lodge set within a private conservancy in Kenya's Laikipia region is seeking an experienced and passionate EXECUTIVE CHEF to lead its kitchen operation.

This is a remote, luxury lodge environment overlooking dramatic rock formations and unfenced wilderness, so the ideal candidate needs to be a strong, hands-on leader who thrives outside city infrastructure and can balance creative menu development with tight cost control and team development.

Core Criteria:

• Minimum 5 years' experience as an Executive Chef or in a comparable senior culinary leadership role
• Previous experience in 5-star luxury hospitality essential
• Experience in a luxury safari lodge or similarly remote environment highly advantageous
• Recognised culinary degree or diploma
• Strong track record in menu development, recipe costing and food cost management
• Solid understanding of stock control, procurement and the logistics of operating in a remote location
• Proven leadership ability, with experience training, developing and disciplining a kitchen team
• Deep knowledge of food safety, hygiene and HACCP standards
• Strong financial acumen and administrative skills
• Excellent spoken and written English
• Genuine passion for sustainability, local sourcing and community engagement

Core Responsibilities:

• Oversee all daily kitchen operations and lead the culinary team
• Manage kitchen budgets, food costs per head, and monthly stocktakes
• Handle all ordering and purchasing, factoring in remote location logistics
• Develop innovative menus reflecting the lodge's identity, local culture and seasonality
• Maintain accurate recipes and costing across all dishes
• Uphold hygiene, food safety and HACCP standards at all times
• Manage cold chain, storage, labelling and rotation of stock
• Train, mentor and manage performance across the kitchen brigade
• Lead pre-service briefings to align chefs and service teams on guest needs
• Oversee bush dining, picnics, game-drive snacks and special culinary events
• Engage personally with guests to understand preferences and dietary requirements
• Monitor guest feedback and drive continuous improvement in food quality and service
• Manage kitchen rosters, leave, and staffing requirements
• Report and follow up on kitchen equipment maintenance needs

Live-in position, accommodation and meals included
Opportunity to work within a well-established, conservation-focused luxury safari operation