Executive Chef Job Vacancy at Singita, Grumeti – September 2026

Singita

Position: Executive Chef

Location: Grumeti, Tanzania

Job Summary

The Executive Chef will report to the Group Culinary Lead and the Property General Manager and will be responsible for the full culinary operation at Grumeti. The role covers kitchen leadership, food quality, team development, culinary identity, community impact, and succession planning.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead, mentor, and develop the Grumeti kitchen brigade, building a strong and capable team with clear succession pathways for local chefs.
2. Design and deliver menus and food experiences across all Grumeti outlets that reflect the Serengeti landscape, seasonality, and Tanzanian culinary traditions while remaining aligned with Singita’s brand-wide food identity.
3. Continue and develop the Singita Community Culinary School (SCCS), ensuring a strong pipeline of local culinary talent that is trained, supported, and progressed into permanent roles.
4. Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, including:
   • Food safety and hygiene
   • Quality control
   • Consistency across all meals and services
   • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
   • Bush dining
   • Special events
5. Manage food costs, stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships, with a strong preference for local and community-based sourcing wherever possible.
6. Work closely with the Group Culinary Lead, Lodge General Manager, and People team on recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and the welfare of the kitchen team.
7. Support innovation in the guest experience where food is central, collaborating with the Group Culinary Lead and chefs’ team on new openings, seasonal menu changes, special guest requests, and events.
8. Maintain accurate kitchen records, food cost reports, and other documentation required for group-level culinary reporting.
9. Uphold and represent Singita’s five food principles as the framework for culinary decision-making within the kitchen.
10. Provide continuity of culinary leadership during visits and absences of the Group Culinary Lead, ensuring the Grumeti kitchen operates smoothly and maintains required standards.
11. Act as the custodian of Grumeti’s food identity by translating the group’s culinary direction into menus and experiences that reflect the local environment, landscape, and people.
12. Support Grumeti’s sustainability, employee wellness, and wellbeing initiatives, encouraging participation across the kitchen team.
13. Encourage and support employee participation in community development and social impact initiatives.
14. Foster a positive relationship between Grumeti and the surrounding communities.
15. Work closely with the Group Culinary Lead to ensure Grumeti’s food offering remains aligned with Singita’s brand-wide standards while retaining its distinctive Grumeti identity.

Skills and Experience

• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressive culinary experience, including at least 3–5 years in an Executive Chef or senior Head Chef role.
• Experience in a luxury lodge, safari, or high-end hospitality environment is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in training, mentoring, and developing local culinary talent.
• Genuine commitment to succession planning and community development.
• Strong grounding in classical culinary techniques combined with seasonal, honest, and ingredient-led cooking.
• Experience managing:
  • Kitchen budgets
  • Food costs
  • Stock control
  • Supplier relationships
  • Sourcing
• Experience with local and community-based sourcing is an advantage.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build and retain a strong and motivated kitchen team.
• Strong menu development and creative direction skills, with the ability to design complete food experiences rather than standalone dishes.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities in a remote, fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Excellent planning and time-management skills.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Adaptability, flexibility, and resilience.
• Comfortable working in a remote wilderness environment and managing the logistical challenges associated with it.
• Professionalism, integrity, and a collaborative, team-oriented approach.
• Proficiency in kitchen management and reporting systems.
• Ability to contribute to group-level culinary reporting.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply by submitting their CV through either of the following channels:

Email: jobapplications@grumeti.singita.com

Online: Singita Careers

Position: Executive Chef
Location: Grumeti, Tanzania
Industry: Luxury Hospitality / Safari Lodges