Lodge Executive Chef

is assisting a luxury safari lodge in Kenya in sourcing an exceptional culinary leader to launch and lead the kitchen as

This is a rare pre-opening opportunity to shape the entire culinary direction of a high-end safari camp, from building and mentoring a kitchen team to designing refined, ingredient-driven menus that reflect both global inspiration and local influence. The successful candidate will combine creativity with strong operational structure, delivering a world-class dining experience aligned with the lodge’s positioning at the top end of the market.

Working in a remote and iconic safari setting, this role requires a confident leader who can balance innovation with consistency, elevate standards, and create a cohesive, high-performing kitchen culture from the ground up. This opportunity will suit a passionate chef who is ready to create something exceptional in a unique and inspiring environment as Executive Chef.

• Lead the full pre-opening setup of the kitchen, including recruitment and team structure

• Develop and implement creative, seasonal, and ingredient-led menus

• Oversee all food production, ensuring consistency, quality, and presentation standards

• Build, train, and mentor a high-performing kitchen team, including Sous Chefs (pastry and

• Asian/Indian focus)

• Implement kitchen systems, SOPs, hygiene, and food safety standards

• Manage food cost, procurement, stock control, and supplier relationships+

• Deliver exceptional guest dining experiences aligned with a luxury safari environment

• Incorporate fire cooking and local influences into the culinary offering

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef within luxury lodges, hotels, or remote hospitality environments

• Strong pre-opening experience highly advantageous

• High-level culinary skills with a focus on refined, ingredient-driven cuisine

• Strong leadership and team development capability

• Solid financial acumen including costing, stock control, and budgeting

• Experience working in remote or logistically challenging environments

• Creative, adaptable, and passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences

$3,500 – $4,000 net per month with expat benefits

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Full live-in position (accommodation and meals provided)
3 months on | 1 month off

➡️ – Although we appreciate all CV’s received, we will only reply to those candidates who have the experience our client requires. Thank you for understanding.