Executive Chef

A striking luxury safari lodge in Kenya’s Laikipia region is seeking an accomplished EXECUTIVE CHEF to lead its culinary team.

The ideal candidate is an inspiring leader with a five-star background and the resourcefulness to run a kitchen in a remote setting. You will balance creativity, tight cost control and genuine guest delight.

Core Criteria:

• Minimum 5 years as an Executive Chef or in a comparable senior culinary leadership role
• Experience in five-star luxury establishments
• Recognised culinary degree or diploma
• Proven ability to lead, train and develop a kitchen team
• Strong menu development, food costing and stock management skills
• Sound knowledge of food safety, hygiene and HACCP principles
• Previous experience in a luxury safari lodge or similarly remote environment (highly advantageous)
• Excellent spoken and written English, and computer literate
• Honest, organised and self-driven, with strong attention to detail
• Genuine passion for guest experience, sustainability and developing people

Core Responsibilities:

• Oversee all daily kitchen operations for guests and staff
• Develop seasonal menus that reflect the lodge’s identity, local culture and sustainable, locally sourced produce
• Manage food costs, budgets, ordering, stock and monthly stocktakes, factoring in remote logistics
• Maintain consistent food quality, flavour, presentation and portioning
• Cater accurately for dietary requirements, allergies and special requests
• Oversee bush dining, picnics, game-drive snacks and special events
• Uphold food safety, hygiene and cold chain standards at all times
• Manage kitchen rosters, leave, records and staff performance
• Coach and motivate the brigade, and identify talent for development and succession
• Engage with guests daily, act on their feedback and consistently achieve a food score of 95% or higher
• Work closely with the General Manager, Lodge Manager and other heads of department