Executive Chef

Why work for Accor? We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor's limitless possibilities.

About Fairmont Hotels & Resorts: At Fairmont Hotels & Resorts we offer our guests the finest hospitality experience in each of our destinations. We know that to offer our guests the best, we first need to offer our employees the best. That is why you'll find exceptional work opportunities-throughout North America and the Caribbean, Europe and Africa, the Middle East and Asia Pacific-as well as industry-leading training, career development, recognition and rewards, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is a celebrated collection of hotels that included landmark locations like London's The Savoy, New York's The Plaza and Shanghai's Fairmont Peace Hotel. Our teams are guided by values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork and Empowerment: we employ the highest ethical and quality standards, treating all colleagues with fairness and dignity. A community and environmental leader, Fairmont is also regarded for responsible tourism practices and award-winning Green Partnership program. An exciting future awaits!

Do what you love, care for the world, dare to challenge the status quo! #BELIMITLESS

Scope of the Position:

Oversee the Culinary operations at Cape Grace a Fairmont managed Hotel, to ensure that the department is always striving to exceed our guests, owners and shareholders expectations. Ensure that the product is of highest possible quality with regards to preparations, presentations and menu selection. To effectively lead our culinary department, recruiting and developing a team of professionals who will continually strive to be the best.

General duties and responsibilities:
• Oversee all aspects of the culinary operations at Cape Grace, including menu development, food preparation, presentation, and quality control.
• Create and execute innovative and seasonally inspired menus that reflect the brand's commitment to excellence and exceed guest expectations.
• Lead and inspire a team of culinary professionals, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment at Cape Grace.
• Develop and implement culinary training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of the culinary team at Cape Grace.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards, as well as local health regulations at Cape Grace.
• Collaborate with the Food and Beverage Management team and other departments to develop and execute special events, promotions, and themed dining experiences at Cape Grace.
• Manage food inventory, control costs, and maximize profitability while maintaining high quality at Cape Grace.
• Stay updated with industry trends, new and local culinary techniques, and emerging food concepts and flavors to continuously enhance the culinary offerings at Cape Grace and to ensure being at the forefront of the culinary scene.
• Maintain strong communication channels with other departments to ensure seamless operations and exceptional guest experiences at Cape Grace.
• Collaborate with partners in the market to amplify the hotel's culinary positioning, creating strategic alliances and enhancing the overall guest experience on a monthly, quarterly, and/or annual basis.
• Work closely and establish relationships with local suppliers, farmers, and artisans to source high-quality ingredients and foster a sense of community and sustainability.
• Develop partnerships with local culinary organizations, industry influencers, and media outlets to increase brand visibility and promote the hotel's culinary offerings.
• Plan and execute collaborative events, such as chef collaborations, culinary workshops, and themed dining experiences, in conjunction with partners in the market.
• Stay updated with local culinary trends and emerging food concepts to ensure the hotel remains at the forefront of the culinary scene.
• Coordinate and participate in culinary festivals, competitions, and industry-related events to showcase the hotel's talent and enhance its reputation.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to create engaging content and promotional materials that highlight the hotel's culinary excellence and partnerships.
• Embrace and promote environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices within the culinary operations, including waste reduction, sustainable sourcing, and community engagement initiatives.
• Champion fair and ethical employment practices, ensuring the well-being and professional growth of the culinary team.
• Maintain a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to health and safety regulations and promoting diversity and equality.
• Perform all other duties as deemed reasonably required by the Director of Food and Beverage.

• Must have legal right to work in South Africa.
• International experience working with a luxury brand comparable to Fairmont Hotels and Resorts is required.
• Proven experience in repositioning F&B outlets in an established F&B node with a strong F&B culture.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of leading dynamic teams.
• Culinary degree or equivalent experience in a recognized culinary institution.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive culinary leadership experience, preferably in luxury boutique hotels or high-end restaurants.
• Proven track record of creating and executing exceptional culinary concepts and menus.
• Strong knowledge of international cuisines, culinary techniques, and current food trends.
• Passion for quality and creativity in culinary arts, with a focus on delivering extraordinary dining experiences.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and multitask effectively.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships with colleagues, guests, and partners.
• Flexibility to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, including weekends and holidays.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We are an inclusive company, and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.