Head Chef at Mpumalanga Lodge.(Live-in Position) – R 20 000 neg This is a key leadership role, suited to a passionate chef with a professional with a strong focus on quality, consistency, and innovation. Kitchen serves 12 guests and staff. Kitchen comprises of 4 chefs and an intern student.   Key Responsibilities: · Oversee and ensure the quality and presentation of all meals. · Maintain consistency in recipes, ingredients, and plating standards · Develop and implement new menus, ensuring dishes meet the required standard · Stay current with food trends and introduce innovative ideas · Conduct menu costing and manage food costings effectively · Control the departmental budget, ensuring expenditure remains within limits · Ensure Cost of Sales (COS) aligns with budget expectations · Enforce proper stock control and rotation practices · Maintain and uphold all hygiene and food safety regulations · Oversee accurate completion of requisitions and issue sheets · Conduct weekly and month-end stock takes (with Stock Controller & Executive Chef) · Maintain discipline and staff performance within the department · Address disciplinary matters in conjunction with the Executive Chef and Resident Manager · Report any kitchen equipment faults to Maintenance · Assist in the training and development of kitchen and service staff · Ensure staff appearance and hygiene standards are consistently upheld   Requirements: · Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Sous Chef or Head Chef · Strong leadership and organisational skills · Proven ability to manage budgets and food costings · High standards of hygiene and kitchen management · Passion for quality, creativity, and attention to detail Additional Information: · Live-in position (accommodation and meals provided) · Possibility of shared accommodation – preferably male. · Split shifts required, with a focus on quality and presentation across all meal services · Candidates will be required to attend an extensive interview and practical cook-off · Salary – R20000 neg · Company offers 5% provident fund on your behalf.   · Paid Sundays and public holidays. · 7 days off per month with 21 consecutive annual leave days. Johan de Kock CEDAR WOOD RECRUITMENT johan@cedar-wood.co.za 078 235 6695

Pastry Chef Mpumalanga- (Salary) R8000   Lodge is seeking a qualified Pastry Chef to manage the daily pastry production for three luxury safari camps. This role requires an early start at 04h00, preparing fresh baked goods and desserts, while also assisting with general kitchen duties across sections when required. Responsibilities will for the following reporting to the Executive Chef.

• Assistthe Executive and Head Chef with daily kitchen operations
• Preparepastries, breads, and desserts for all three camps
• Ensureconsistency, quality, and timely delivery each morning
• Assistchefs with food preparation across kitchen sections
• Maintainhygiene and food safety standards
• Supportstock control and reduce waste
• Implementingnew ideas and menu creation
• Checkthat requisitions and issue sheets are done
• Competentin English writing and speaking

Requirements:

• 2–3years’ experience
• Organisationalskills
• Flexibilityto work shifts, weekends, and public holidays
• Previouslodge or hospitality experience advantageous in a Safari environment
• Provenexperience in a similar role
• Abilityto work independently and under pressure
• Strongtime management and organisation skills
• Willingnessto start at 04h00 and work flexible hours

  Shared living accommodation. Drivers licence essential. Salary – R8000 per month. Paid Sundays and public holidays Provident fund contribution of 5% 7 days off per month and 21 consecutive annual days. Please submit your C.V to   Johan de Kock CEDAR WOOD RECRUITMENT johan@cedar-wood.co.za 078 235 6695

Head Chef – Luxury Game Lodge, North West Province Job Overview Position: Head Chef Location: North West Province, South Africa Employment Type: Full-Time Start Date: ASAP Salary: 25k-30k DOE Key Responsibilities Culinary Strategy & Design: Lead the creation and execution of innovative, world-class menus that highlight seasonal produce, premium game meats, and authentic South African flavors. Team Leadership: Direct, mentor, and inspire the entire kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of excellence, professional growth, and attention to detail. Operational Management: Oversee all back-of-house operations, including sophisticated inventory control, procurement, budgeting, and strict adherence to international health, safety, and hygiene standards. Guest Experience: Partner with lodge management to curate bespoke dining experiences, ranging from elegant bush dinners and boma evenings to specialized private events. Quality Assurance: Ensure the consistent delivery of exceptional food quality and plating standards, maintaining the lodge’s reputation as a premier culinary destination. Efficiency & Organization: Maintain a high-functioning, organized, and cost-effective kitchen environment tailored to the unique requirements of a luxury remote location. Requirements Proven Leadership: Significant experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef within a high-end luxury lodge, 5-star hotel, or fine-dining environment. Qualifications: A formal culinary diploma or degree from a reputable international or South African culinary institution. Expertise: Deep knowledge of South African culinary trends, with a specialized ability to incorporate indigenous ingredients into modern, upscale dishes. Financial Acumen: Advanced skills in menu engineering, food cost management, and administrative kitchen reporting. Remote Living: A genuine passion for the bushveld lifestyle and the ability to adapt to living and working in a remote North West location. Soft Skills: Exceptional communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to remain calm under pressure. Compliance: Valid South African work permit (if applicable) and a clean professional record. Flexibility: Willingness to work hospitality hours, including weekends, evenings, and public holidays. What We Offer Competitive Remuneration: A market-related salary package including professional accommodation and on-site meals. Stunning Environment: The opportunity to work within one of the North West's most beautiful natural landscapes and wildlife reserves. Professional Growth: A leadership role within a prestigious hospitality group that values creative freedom and excellence. Please forward applications to cameron@cedar-wood.co.za

We are recruiting for a Guide and Duty Manager Couple for our client’s Luxury Safari River Lodge based in Zululand - KZN Both the candidates will have the following benefits included in their package: Meals while on duty as well as a variety of groceries for while off duty, live in position as well as a compulsory provident fund. Requirements for Guide: Valid PDP and driver’s license Valid first aid Level 1 minimum DEAT registered FGASA level 1 minimum 2 years working experience minimum Salary of R9500 neg depending on experience All their guides also form part of the maintenance team and therefore some experience with maintenance is beneficial. Requirements for Duty manager: Valid Driver’s license Valid first aid level 1 - Preferred 1 year previous working experience in similar role Salary R9000 Neg depending on experience The Duty manager should be able to handle in camp issues and use initiative and work alone and well under pressure. It is very important to acknowledge that our client has a very small team and working in close quarters with each other, a friendly demeanor and attitude is what they need. They need the couple to be an energetic couple and be eager to learn and dive in, as well as and handle staff confidently and respectfully and able to discern work from personal   To apply, forward a comprehensive CV, all supporting proof of qualifications as well as a clear head and shoulders profile picture to ronel@cedar-wood.co.za   Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 7 days of applying. If you don’t get feedback, please regard your CV as not shortlisted  

We are now recruiting for our client for a Guest Relations Officer to be based at their lodge in Limpopo The Guest Relations Officer serves as the first point of contact for lodge guests, delivering a warm, welcoming, and memorable arrival and departure experience. This role ensures high levels of guest satisfaction through proactive service, effective communication, problem-solving, and seamless coordination between departments.

Key Responsibilities

Guest Experience

• Welcome guests on arrival, assist with check-in and check-out.
• Provide lodge information, answer questions, and handle special requests.
• Ensure a friendly, professional, and efficient guest journey at all touchpoints.
• Collect guest feedback and ensure follow-up on concerns.

Guest Issue Resolution

• Manage guest complaints and queries promptly and effectively.
• Act as a liaison between guests and internal teams to resolve issues quickly.
• Maintain accurate guest information and communication logs.

Operational Coordination

• Review arrival, occupancy, and VIP reports, ensuring room allocations and special requests are prepared.
• Monitor PMS and reservation systems.
• Coordinate with Housekeeping and other departments for guest requirements.
• Ensure smooth handling of VIP arrivals, pre-registrations, and departures.

Administration

• Complete daily reports, logs, and operational checklists.
• Maintain compliance with lodge policies, grooming standards, and SOPs.
• Keep updated knowledge of lodge offerings, promotions, and competitor landscape.

Requirements

• Hospitality qualification or relevant experience preferred.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication skills (English – written & verbal).
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy lodge environment.
• Professional, well-presented, organised, and detail-oriented.
• Positive attitude with strong teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work shifts, weekends, public holidays and evenings.
• Able to travel to Johannesburg for in-person interviews (no virtual interviews).

---

Additional Information

• Entry-level position.
• Provident fund (5%) – compulsory.
• Medical aid (Discovery Classic Saver )– optional.
• Live-in single accommodation only
• Meals provided on duty.
• Candidates must be able to relocate.

To apply please send your cv to admin1@cedar-wood.co.za