Head Chef

VACANCY: Head Chef – Majete

STATUS: One-year contract subject to renewal based on performance

African Parks (AP) is a not-for-profit organization that secures a mandate to conserve through Public Private Partnerships with Governments and communities for the rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas in Africa, and here in Malawi, AP has secured this mandate for the
management of Majete Wildlife Reserve, Liwonde National Park and Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.

An opportunity has arisen for the post of Head Chef tenable at Majete Wildlife Reserve in Chikwawa

The Head Chef will directly report to the Thawale Lodge Manager but also work closely with other
departments as required. Based at Thawale Lodge the Head Chef will oversee food preparation for guests at the lodge, Mwembezi Restaurant, Majete Conference Centre and other events that are arranged on the reserve.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE (but not limited to):

1. Food Service and Quality Control

• Deliver high-quality meals consistently, ensuring presentation and taste meet hospitality
  standards.
• Plan, prepare, and execute menus that cater to guest preferences while maintaining variety
  and nutritional value.
• Develop new seasonal 6-day Menu.
• Conduct food tasting and quality control checks before service.

2. Cost Efficiency and Overhead Reduction

• Monitor food stock levels to reduce wastage and control inventory costs.
• Implement a First In, First Out (FIFO) food storage system to minimize food spoilage.
• Reduce excess spending by optimizing ingredient use and negotiating better supplier rates.
• Ensure portion control is followed to maintain cost efficiency without compromising quality.
• Calculate all recipe costings.

3. Kitchen Management and Hygiene

• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all food preparation areas.
• Ensure kitchen staff follow proper sanitation procedures and health safety regulations.
• Supervise and participate in daily kitchen cleaning, including appliances, workstations, and
  storage areas.
• Oversee maintenance requests for kitchen equipment, plumbing, and structural repairs.

4. Hospitality and Guest Experience

• Train and mentor junior chefs and kitchen staff to improve food service quality.
• Accommodate dietary restrictions and special meal requests from guests.
• Maintain a positive and welcoming kitchen environment that aligns with the hospitality ethos of Majete Wildlife Reserve.
• Communicate and agree on schedule with respective teams being catered for to ensure seamless meal service.
• Develop and execute new dining experiences e.g. bush dinner.

5. Compliance and Operational Efficiency

• Conduct regular stock takes of kitchen assets and cleaning products.
• Monitor food freshness and discard out-of-date items responsibly.
• Monitor and enforce safety standards in the kitchens and any high danger environment e.g.
  Ensure gas is switched off and fire extinguishers are present.
• Ensure staff use proper uniforms and adhere to hygiene protocols.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

o Minimum of Diploma in Culinary Arts, Food and Beverage or Catering Services obtained
from a recognized institution.
o Malawi School Certificate of Education.
o Strong interest in wildlife conservation.
o Minimum of 5 years of similar experience or as a Sous Chef.
o Ability to work under pressure when multiple evens are happening simultaneously
o Good English skills (written and spoken).
o Good attention to detail and ability to identify problems.
o Ability to adapt and work flexibly in our environment.
o Excellent communication skills particularly with kitchen staff and other departments.
o Strong computer skills, particularly in MS Excel and preferably in Tall Order and My Stock

Special Conditions.

• The person applying must either have the right to work in Malawi or be a Malawi citizen African Parks is an equal opportunity Employer.

Applicants should submit their CVs with a covering letter clearly stating how their skills and
experience meet the requirements of the position. At least three traceable referees should be
included, but copies of certificates are not required at this stage. Applications should be emailed to
chikumbutsom@africanparks.org by 16h00, 23rd of May 2025. Only short-listed candidates will be
acknowledged.

Should you not hear back from us within 2 weeks after closing date, please take it that your application was unsuccessful