Head Chef - Event Catering

Placements24; Southampton; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional growth opportunities

Bonuses & incentives

Health benefits

Exposure to high-profile events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Head Chef for a premier event catering company based in Randburg. The role leads culinary operations, from menu development to staff management, ensuring exceptional quality for high-profile events.

The candidate will have extensive experience in fine dining or luxury catering, with strong leadership and a passion for culinary excellence. This position requires flexibility for demanding hours and travel to event locations within Gauteng.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive culinary experience with 4+ years in Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef role.
• Experience in menu costing, menu development and large-scale event execution.
• Strong leadership, communication and team management skills.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and HACCP compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations, including food prep, cooking and presentation.
• Develop seasonal, profitable menus for diverse events.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff; foster high-performance teams.
• Ensure top-quality food, taste, and presentation at all times.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and stock rotation to control costs.
• Enforce health, safety and hygiene regulations (HACCP).
• Collaborate with event planners to ensure flawless catering execution.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing development.
• Manage kitchen budgets and contribute to profitability.
• Stay updated on culinary trends and industry best practices.
• Maintain clean, safe and efficient kitchen facilities.

Skills

Team leadership

Menu development

Costing and budgeting

Food safety HACCP

Event catering

Staff training

Kitchen management software

Education

Culinary degree

Tools

Kitchen management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier event catering company based in Randburg, Gauteng, is seeking an accomplished Head Chef to lead their culinary operations. This senior role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the kitchen, from menu development and food preparation to staff management and quality control. You will be instrumental in creating innovative and exquisite culinary experiences for a wide range of high-profile events. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in fine dining or high-volume catering, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for culinary excellence. Based in Randburg, you will manage a team of skilled chefs and kitchen staff, ensuring the consistent delivery of outstanding dishes that meet and exceed client expectations. We are looking for a creative visionary who can maintain the highest standards of food quality and operational efficiency in a demanding environment. Your expertise will be crucial in upholding and enhancing our client's esteemed reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation.
• Develop creative, seasonal, and profitable menus tailored to diverse event types and client needs.
• Oversee and train kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment.
• Ensure the highest standards of food quality, taste, and presentation are consistently met.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and stock rotation to control food costs and minimize waste.
• Implement and enforce strict health, safety, and hygiene regulations (HACCP).
• Collaborate with event planners and management to ensure seamless execution of all catered functions.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide ongoing training and development for kitchen staff.
• Manage kitchen budgets and contribute to the financial success of the catering division.
• Stay abreast of current culinary trends, techniques, and industry best practices.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and facilities, ensuring a clean, safe, and efficient working environment.
• Conduct taste tests and quality checks to ensure culinary excellence.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 4 years in a Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef role, preferably in event catering or luxury hospitality.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu development, costing, and execution for large-scale events.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards and regulations.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, control costs, and optimize profitability.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the ability to work under pressure.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification from a recognized institution.
• Creativity, passion for food, and a commitment to culinary innovation.
• Flexibility to work demanding hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as dictated by event schedules.
• Experience working in Randburg or the wider Gauteng region is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in relevant kitchen management software.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to lead culinary innovation for a leading event caterer in Randburg.
• Be part of a dynamic and prestigious company.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
• Exposure to a wide variety of high-profile events.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Performance-based incentives and bonuses.
• A supportive and inspiring work environment.