Executive Chef

Location: Kyalami Business Park, Johannesburg
Company: Farm2Fork (Agrigrow Division)
Reports to: Production Manager / Food Safety & Product Development Manager

About the Role

Farm2Fork, a leading Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food production company, is looking for an experienced Executive Chef to join our growing team.

This role is ideal for a passionate culinary professional with experience in high-volume food production, catering, banqueting, and commercial kitchen operations. You will support the Production Manager in overseeing daily kitchen operations while ensuring the consistent production of high-quality meals across retail, wholesale, catering, restaurant, and large-scale event channels.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation and production of high-quality meals.
• Ensure all catering and client requirements are delivered efficiently.
• Develop innovative menus and recipes.
• Maintain exceptional food quality, taste, and presentation standards.
• Conduct quality checks throughout preparation, cooking, packing, and dispatch.
• Supervise, mentor, and train kitchen staff.
• Monitor productivity and enforce SOPs, hygiene, and uniform standards.
• Manage inventory, stock levels, and assist with ordering.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations.
• Coordinate large-scale food production for catering, banqueting, and events.
• Manage production schedules, batch cooking, and dispatch timelines.
• Monitor portion control, food costs, yields, and minimise waste.
• Ensure FIFO/FEFO stock rotation principles are followed.
• Oversee packaging and labelling processes.
• Report daily production performance to the Production Manager.
• Support operational planning and kitchen administration.
• Lead food production for Montecasino, entertainment venues, and other Farm2Fork client events.
• Be available to work shifts, weekends, public holidays, and extended hours when required.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent qualification.
• A Diploma in a related culinary field will also be considered.

Experience

• 3–4 years' experience as an Executive Chef in a hotel, restaurant, catering, or food production environment.
• Experience in banqueting, catering, high-volume kitchens, or large-scale food production is highly advantageous.
• Experience in long production cycle environments will be beneficial.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management and stock control.
• Excellent knowledge of food preparation techniques and multiple cuisines.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Strong culinary and plating skills.
• Creative menu planning and recipe development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Ability to solve problems and make sound operational decisions.
• Adaptable and able to maintain quality during long production cycles and busy event periods.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who is:

• Passionate about food and culinary excellence.
• A hands-on leader who enjoys developing and motivating teams.
• Quality-driven with exceptional attention to detail.
• Customer-focused and committed to delivering outstanding catering experiences.
• Flexible and willing to work operational hours based on business requirements.

If you have the experience, leadership skills, and passion to excel in a high-volume production environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and become part of a dynamic team delivering exceptional food experiences across South Africa.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person