Executive Chef at Minor Hotels | September 2024

The Elewana Collection of 16 boutique lodges, camps and hotels is known for its unique accommodations in iconic locations across Kenya and Tanzania. Elewana crafts authentic and memorable safari experiences, providing the highest quality of luxury and comfort. Warm and genuine East African hospitality characterises a safari with Elewana, where guests are indulged with a luxurious and personalised stay.

Arusha Coffee Lodge is seeking a passionate and experienced Executive Chef to join our team and lead the transformation of our food and beverage experience into a must-do attraction in the gateway city of the Tanzanian Northern Safari Circuit. We are delighted to introduce an extraordinary Market Garden Theme Restaurant designed to deliver standards and experiences that rival, if not surpass, those of world-renowned theme parks. If you have a passion for creativity, a strong culinary background, and a dedication to excellence, we would love to hear from you.

As the Executive Chef, you will be responsible for the following:

1. Management of Food Production Function: Oversee the entire food production function within the lodge.
2. Culinary Leadership: Be accountable for all culinary activities at the lodge, ensuring innovation and creativity in cuisine.
3. The candidate must demonstrate a proven ability to develop new concepts, including overseeing a planned project for a garden-themed restaurant capable of serving up to 400 guests daily. In addition, the candidate will be responsible for managing diverse kitchens and restaurants within a multi-functional food and beverage resort. This encompasses a cutting-edge fine dining international cuisine restaurant, a bistro bar, a coffee shop, in-room dining, safari picnic lunches, and the aforementioned 400-seater Outdoor Garden Theme restaurant. This comprehensive experience is designed to provide an authentic African dining experience with standards that exceed those found in world-renowned theme park experiences.
4. Menu Planning and Budgeting: Plan menus, oversee product purchasing, and provide budgetary guidelines for the culinary department.
5. Operational Excellence: Run efficient kitchens, manage profit areas, control stock and wastage, and maintain high hygiene standards.
6. Staff Training and Development: Continuously train and develop local staff, passing on culinary knowledge and skills.
7. Product Development: Ensure adherence to product development plans and culinary standards.
8. Audit and Compliance: Implement and adhere to Elewana policies, including food standards, procurement audits, hygiene audits, and more.
9. Financial Accountability: Achieve food revenue targets, control food costs, and operate within budget margins.
10. Guest Satisfaction: Maintain guest satisfaction through exceptional food quality and service.
11. Market Trends: Proactively adapt to market trends and changes in guest preferences.
12. Staff Management: Maintain appropriate staffing levels, conduct employee appraisals, and manage departmental staff performance.
13. Reporting: Produce accurate and timely reports in line with Elewana policies and directives.
14. Committees and Additional Duties: Serve on various committees as required and perform additional duties as requested by the General Manager.

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or similar role in a high-end hospitality setting.
• Culinary degree or equivalent certification.
• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Creativity and innovation in menu planning and presentation.
• Excellent knowledge of culinary trends and local ingredients.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food quality and service.
• Effective communication and team-building skills.
• Proficiency in compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Knowledge of Elewana policies and standards (or willingness to learn).
• Proven ability to achieve financial targets and control costs.