Private Chef

Bird On Eland is looking for a talented, professional, and service-oriented Private Villa Chef to join our hospitality team in Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe.

The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing high-quality, delicious, and beautifully presented meals for villa guests while creating a warm and memorable dining experience. The ideal candidate should be passionate about food, creative in the kitchen, attentive to detail, and comfortable catering to different guest preferences and dietary requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Plan, prepare, cook, and present high-quality meals for villa guests.
2. Develop menus that reflect guests' preferences, dietary requirements, and special occasions.
3. Prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and other meals as required.
4. Cater for individual guests, families, and groups staying at the villa.
5. Prepare a variety of cuisines while incorporating fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.
6. Discuss menus and meal requirements with guests and provide personalised recommendations.
7. Accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, vegetarian/vegan requirements, and other special requests.
8. Ensure all meals are prepared and presented to a consistently high standard.
9. Manage food purchasing, stock levels, portion control, and kitchen inventory.
10. Work within agreed food budgets while maintaining quality.
11. Maintain excellent kitchen hygiene, cleanliness, and food safety standards.
12. Ensure food is stored, labelled, and handled correctly in accordance with applicable health and safety requirements.
13. Keep kitchen equipment and work areas clean and well maintained.
14. Coordinate meal preparation around guest schedules and villa activities.
15. Assist with special events, celebrations, private dinners, and other guest experiences when required.
16. Minimise food waste through effective planning and responsible stock management.
17. Maintain a professional, discreet, and courteous approach when interacting with guests.
18. Work collaboratively with villa management and housekeeping staff to ensure a seamless guest experience.

1. Proven experience as a chef, private chef, hotel chef, restaurant chef, or similar role.
2. Culinary qualification or professional chef training will be an advantage.
3. Strong knowledge of food preparation, presentation, hygiene, and kitchen safety.
4. Ability to prepare a variety of local and international cuisines.
5. Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
6. Strong attention to detail and presentation.
7. Ability to work independently and manage kitchen operations effectively.
8. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
9. Professional, reliable, discreet, and guest-focused.
10. Ability to accommodate flexible working hours, including weekends and public holidays when required.
11. Valid food-handling and health certifications will be an advantage.
12. References from previous employers may be required.