Company Description

Refreshingly understated, contemporary and simple. Whether you want a leisurely family break or romantic escape, AVANI hotels and resorts provide the right space for relaxed and inspired comfort. Discerning service, relaxed dining and engaging recreation facilities for all guests are a given.

Job Description

We are seeking a talented and visionary Executive Chef to lead our culinary team at the Avani Victoria Falls Resort, Zambia. As the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of our kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and customer satisfaction.

• Develop and implement innovative menu concepts that showcase local and international cuisines
• Lead and mentor a diverse kitchen team, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment
• Manage food and labor costs while maintaining the highest quality standards
• Oversee inventory management, food purchasing, and vendor relationships
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations
• Collaborate with the management team to drive revenue and profitability
• Participate in menu planning, food presentation, and pricing strategies
• Conduct regular quality checks and maintain consistent food standards
• Oversee special catering events and VIP dining experiences
• Stay current with culinary trends and incorporate them into menu offerings
• Work closely with other departments to ensure seamless kitchen operations
• Develop and implement sustainable kitchen practices, focusing on reducing food waste and promoting eco-friendly initiatives
• Cultivate relationships with local farmers and suppliers to source fresh, high-quality ingredients
• Implement and oversee a comprehensive training program for all kitchen staff, ensuring continuous skill development and career growth opportunities
• Recruit, hire, and onboard qualified culinary professionals, building a strong and motivated kitchen brigade
• Manage kitchen equipment maintenance schedules and procurement to ensure optimal operational efficiency and food safety standards

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in upscale culinary management
• Proven track record in controlling food and labor costs
• Extensive knowledge of various cooking methods, ingredients, and culinary techniques
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Proficiency in menu development, recipe standardization, and pricing strategies
• Demonstrated experience in inventory management and cost control
• In-depth understanding of food safety and sanitation standards
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Creativity and innovation in menu planning and food presentation
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Proficiency in culinary software and point-of-sale systems
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including weekends and holidays

• Develop and implement innovative menu concepts that showcase local and international cuisines
• Lead and mentor a diverse kitchen team, fostering a collaborative and efficient work environment
• Manage food and labor costs while maintaining the highest quality standards
• Oversee inventory management, food purchasing, and vendor relationships
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations
• Collaborate with the management team to drive revenue and profitability
• Participate in menu planning, food presentation, and pricing strategies
• Conduct regular quality checks and maintain consistent food standards
• Oversee special catering events and VIP dining experiences
• Stay current with culinary trends and incorporate them into menu offerings
• Work closely with other departments to ensure seamless kitchen operations
• Develop and implement sustainable kitchen practices, focusing on reducing food waste and promoting eco-friendly initiatives
• Cultivate relationships with local farmers and suppliers to source fresh, high-quality ingredients
• Implement and oversee a comprehensive training program for all kitchen staff, ensuring continuous skill development and career growth opportunities
• Recruit, hire, and onboard qualified culinary professionals, building a strong and motivated kitchen brigade
• Manage kitchen equipment maintenance schedules and procurement to ensure optimal operational efficiency and food safety standards

• Leadership
• Team management
• Organizational skills
• Time management
• Menu development
• Recipe standardization
• Pricing strategies
• Inventory management
• Cost control
• Food safety and sanitation standards
• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Creativity
• Innovation
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Proficiency in culinary software and point-of-sale systems
• Coaching
• Mentoring

• Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in upscale culinary management
• Proven track record in controlling food and labor costs
• Extensive knowledge of various cooking methods, ingredients, and culinary techniques
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities
• Proficiency in menu development, recipe standardization, and pricing strategies
• Demonstrated experience in inventory management and cost control
• In-depth understanding of food safety and sanitation standards
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Creativity and innovation in menu planning and food presentation
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Proficiency in culinary software and point-of-sale systems
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including weekends and holidays
• Strong leadership, coaching, and mentoring abilities. Demonstrated ability to inspire and guide a team to consistently deliver exceptional service.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a passion for delivering personalized guest experiences.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and challenges quickly and professionally while maintaining guest satisfaction.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of additional languages is a plus.