Culinary Team Lead - Off-site Catering

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Growth opportunities

Dynamic team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a passionate Culinary Team Lead for our off-site catering division in Welkom. You will head a culinary team, develop creative menus for diverse events, and ensure excellence in presentation and flavor across venues.

This hands-on leadership role requires at least five years as a Chef or Sous Chef, with two years in leadership, a culinary degree, strong food safety knowledge, and the ability to manage budgets and tight schedules during evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• 5+ years progressive experience as a Chef or Sous Chef, with at least 2 years in leadership.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Proven ability to create diverse, high-quality menus.
• Experience in managing kitchen budgets and controlling food costs.
• Able to work under pressure during multi-event schedules.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff to foster a high-performance environment.
• Develop creative menus tailored to client events with seasonal ingredients and dietary needs.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation for off-site events.
• Manage kitchen inventory, ordering, costing, and waste reduction.
• Ensure HACCP and hygiene standards across operations.
• Coordinate with events team for on-site delivery and setup.
• Conduct taste tests and quality checks prior to service.
• Maintain equipment and a safe, orderly kitchen.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Food safety

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished catering company renowned for its innovative cuisine and exceptional service in the Welkom area, is seeking a passionate and skilled Culinary Team Lead to head their off-site catering division. This role is perfect for a creative chef with strong leadership abilities who can inspire a culinary team to deliver outstanding gastronomic experiences at diverse event venues. You will be responsible for menu development, food preparation, quality control, and ensuring the highest standards of presentation and taste for a wide array of events across the Free State . The ideal candidate will possess a refined palate, excellent kitchen management skills, and a commitment to excellence in every dish served. This is a hands-on leadership position offering the opportunity to shape the culinary direction of our client's off-site catering operations and make a significant impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Develop creative and appealing menus tailored to client events, considering seasonal ingredients and dietary requirements.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation for off-site events, ensuring consistent quality.
• Manage kitchen inventory, including ordering supplies, controlling costs, and minimizing waste.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards (e.g., HACCP).
• Coordinate with the events team to ensure timely and efficient delivery and setup of catering services on-site.
• Conduct taste tests and quality control checks before service delivery.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure a safe and orderly working environment.
• Stay abreast of culinary trends and innovations to keep the menu fresh and exciting.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience as a Chef or Sous Chef, with at least 2 years in a leadership capacity, preferably in off-site catering.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Proven ability to create diverse and high-quality menus.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in managing kitchen budgets and controlling food costs.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple orders and events simultaneously.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules in and around Welkom .
• A passion for food and a commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including potential for performance bonuses and opportunities for professional growth.
• You will work in a dynamic environment with a team that values creativity and excellence.
• This role provides the chance to lead culinary innovation in the Welkom region and shape memorable dining experiences.
• Join a company that is dedicated to quality, employee development, and celebrating the art of fine food.