Function

Reporting directly to Executive Chef, the successful incumbent will be under the general guidance & supervision of the Executive Chef and is expected to maintain the quality and standards of the Westin Cape Town within a pressurized environment.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Be in possession of a recognised Culinary Diploma or similar plus 3 years’ experience within a similar operation and level of responsibilities

• 5 star hotel experience in a similar position will be advantageous

• Previous Staff Management experience is essential

• Previous experience in managing a kitchen is essential

• Proficiency in Microsoft packages (Word, Excel, email)

Key Responsibilities

• Strong leadership & management skills

• Compliant to workplace policies, rules, procedures and standards

• Quality and customer service driven

• Ability to work within a pressurized environment

• Good food knowledge and confident cooking skills in fine cuisine

• Innovative thinking and creative/artistic flair, ideas and concepts,

• Fine presentation and plating skills,

• Knowledgeable in current Culinary and Plating trends 

• Well versed in menu engineering and the implementation thereof

• Good knowledge on controlling of kitchen expenses – gas, labour, Operating equipment and maintenance thereof

• Good knowledge on controlling recipe and food costing - wastage, stock rotation, SOP’s

• Hands on management of food quality, presentation, preparation and consistency standards

• Effective communication, problem solving, decision making and conflict management skills and a good understanding of disciplinary processes.

• Ability to use Initiative, be proactive and self-driven

• Attention to detail pertaining to food quality, presentation, preparation and portion control

• Managing and maintaining high standard of  kitchen hygiene, food storage and work practices

• Good daily planning and forecasting planning skills to meet deadlines with regards to functions, service, operations and administration.

• Experience in managing staff performance, productivity, staff succession planning and development.

• Ability to delegate and empowering staff productively and effectively