Senior Event Chef — Lead Culinary Team for Premier Banquets

Placements24; O Mente; On-site; EUR 35,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses based on performance

Professional development opportunities

Supportive and collaborative team

High-quality ingredients & modern k it

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Event Chef to lead culinary operations for high-profile events in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will develop menus, oversee food preparation, and maintain top presentation standards.

The ideal candidate holds a recognised culinary qualification with at least 6 years progressive experience and 2 years in a senior/head role within catering or fine dining. You will manage kitchen staff, ensure HACCP compliance, control costs, and collaborate with event planners.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years progressive chef experience, with at least 2 years in a senior/head role.
• Proven expertise across diverse cuisines and advanced cooking techniques.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Knowledge of event logistics, menu costing and inventory management.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations and HACCP.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple events concurrently.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays in Queenstown, EC.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary team to prepare and execute exquisite menus for events of varying sizes.
• Conceptualize innovative menus considering seasonality and client preferences.
• Manage kitchen staff including hiring, training, scheduling and evaluation.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards.
• Control food costs, manage inventory and optimize purchasing to reduce waste.
• Collaborate with event planning team to align culinary vision with client needs.
• Maintain high standards of food quality and presentation across all events.
• Oversee kitchen operations and optimize workflow and resource use.
• Contribute to strategic direction of the culinary department.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Inventory management

Team management

Budgeting

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Event Chef to lead culinary operations for high-profile events in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You will develop menus, oversee food preparation, and maintain top presentation standards.

The ideal candidate holds a recognised culinary qualification with at least 6 years progressive experience and 2 years in a senior/head role within catering or fine dining. You will manage kitchen staff, ensure HACCP compliance, control costs, and collaborate with event planners.