Kick4Life – Vacancy Announcement
Position: Head Chef
Department: Social Enterprise | No.7 Restaurant
Line Manager: Hospitality Manager
About the No.7 Restaurant
No.7 is a restaurant with a difference. Based at the Kick4Life (K4L) Centre in Maseru, Lesotho, we offer great food in a friendly environment with stunning views across the city. All profits are reinvested into Kick4Life’s charitable work.
Our team includes former participants who have completed a structured training programme to develop skills for successful careers in the catering and hospitality industries.
No.7, linked to the Hokahanya Inn & Conference Centre, provides catering for a wide range of internal and external events including conferences, team-building sessions, dinner parties, and weddings. We can seat over 100 guests with both indoor and outdoor seating areas, including two wood burners and a braai. Our cuisine features freshly prepared dishes expressing a European style with a Lesotho touch.
Objective of the Role
To oversee the efficient and effective operations of food production in the No.7 Restaurant, and to manage and develop all Back of House (BOH) staff to ensure the highest standard of customer service delivery. Key responsibility areas include:
food production and management, operations and maintenance, staff management, customer service support, health and safety, and broader K4L support duties.
Main Accountabilities
Area 1: Food Production & Management
1.1 Develop and train staff on seasonal, conference, event and special menus
1.2 Maintain the highest professional food quality
1.3 Assist in food purchase specifications, recipes, stock and inventory management
1.4 Regularly review product quality and research new vendors
1.5 Work with Social Enterprise Senior Management on budgets, pricing and margin targets
1.6 Assist in managing the No7 POS system and updating content
1.7 Support marketing activities aligned with changing menus
Area 2: Operations & Maintenance
2.1 Control operational costs and reduce wastage
2.2 Ensure proper use and preventative maintenance of all kitchen equipment
2.3 Estimate needs for goods, utensils and cleaning products
2.4 Ensure maintenance issues are resolved promptly
2.5 Monitor stock levels, order supplies and manage petty cash
Area 3: Staff Management & Customer Service Support
3.1 Line manage and train BOH staff
3.2 Organize and supervise shifts
3.3 Conduct performance appraisals
3.4 Address customer complaints as needed
3.5 Support training on customer service practices
3.6 Ensure timely and excellent food service delivery
3.7 Ensure adherence to spec sheets and portion management
3.8 Implement time standards for food delivery
Area 4: Health & Safety
4.1 Ensure compliance with sanitation, health and safety regulations
4.2 Supervise daily and weekly deep cleaning schedules
Area 5: Special Duties
5.1 Support Management initiatives
5.2 Support training and professional development activities across K4L
5.3 Assist in tours and special activities
5.4 Support organisational performance management systems
5.5 Support operational improvements and business growth opportunities
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Bachelor Degree in Culinary Arts
- Health and safety and food hygiene certifications
- Proven experience managing a kitchen team
- Menu development experience in continental cuisine
- Extensive food and beverage knowledge
- Buying, menu costing and stock control experience
- Restaurant management software knowledge
- Strong financial planning and reporting skills
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Ability to multitask and work under pressure
- Willingness to work long, flexible hours including weekends and holidays
Desirable
- First Aid certified
- Additional leadership and motivation skills
Work-Based Skills & Competencies
Essential
- Ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams
- Strong communication skills (English and Sesotho)
- Organised, adaptable, independent and service-minded
- Able to meet deadlines and work flexible hours
Desirable
- Experience in a small business or social enterprise kitchen
- Enthusiasm for cooking with local and high-quality ingredients
- Strategic and growth-oriented mindset
Important Notes
This is a full-time hospitality role requiring long and flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
Kick4Life is committed to child and youth safeguarding. By applying, you affirm that you have never been accused or convicted of offences related to sexual exploitation and abuse.
How to Apply
Submit a CV and Cover Letter (explaining motivation and suitability) via email only to: [email protected]
Closing Date: 31 December 2025, 5:00 PM
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.