Event Chef - High-Volume Banqueting

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 11,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Overtime pay

Diverse events

Staff meals

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Event Chef for a leading catering service operating in the Welkom region. You will assist the Head Chef in planning, preparing and presenting menus for banquets, conferences and large functions, delivering high-quality dishes with flair.

Ideal candidates have 3–5 years in banquet catering, strong food-safety knowledge and teamwork skills, and the flexibility to work evenings, weekends and travel to event sites across the Free State.

Qualifications

• A culinary qualification or equivalent practical experience is required.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience as a Chef or Cook in banqueting or large-scale catering.
• Proficiency in various cooking techniques and understanding of food presentation.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene practices.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Willingness to travel to different event locations within the region.
• Proactive attitude and passion for food.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes for large-scale events according to recipes and quality standards.
• Assist Head Chef in menu planning and development for banqueting and catered functions.
• Ensure efficient and timely preparation and plating of food for service.
• Maintain a clean, organized workstation and adhere to hygiene protocols.
• Manage inventory for assigned stations and report shortages to Head Chef.
• Collaborate with kitchen staff and service teams for smooth event execution.
• Set up food stations and presentation areas at event venues.
• Adhere to company policies, health and safety regulations, and assist with kitchen maintenance.

Skills

Cooking techniques

Food safety & hygiene

Teamwork

Communication

Adaptability

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading event catering service provider operating in and around Welkom , is seeking a talented and dedicated Event Chef to join their dynamic culinary team. This role is perfect for a passionate cook with a flair for creating delicious food for large-scale banquets, conferences, and special functions. You will be responsible for assisting the Head Chef in the preparation and execution of menus for diverse events, ensuring that all dishes are prepared to the highest standards of quality and presentation.

The ideal candidate will be adaptable, work efficiently under pressure, and possess excellent teamwork skills. This is a hands-on role that requires dedication and a commitment to delivering exceptional culinary experiences to clients across the Free State region. You will be involved in various stages of event catering, from kitchen preparation to on-site execution, contributing significantly to the success of each event.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes according to established recipes and quality standards for large-scale events.
• Assist the Head Chef in menu planning and development for banqueting and other catered functions.
• Ensure efficient and timely preparation and plating of food for service.
• Maintain a clean and organized work station, adhering to strict food safety and hygiene protocols.
• Manage inventory of ingredients for assigned stations and report any shortages to the Head Chef.
• Collaborate effectively with other kitchen staff and service teams to ensure smooth event execution.
• Participate in setting up food stations and presentation areas at event venues.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures, including health and safety regulations.
• Assist with basic kitchen maintenance and cleaning tasks as required.

Requirements

• A culinary qualification or equivalent practical experience is required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a Chef or Cook, preferably in a banqueting or large-scale catering environment.
• Proficiency in various cooking techniques and an understanding of food presentation.
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene practices.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as event schedules demand.
• Willingness to travel to different event locations within the region.
• A proactive attitude and a passion for food.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for overtime pay.
• Opportunity to work at diverse and exciting events.
• Gain experience with a leading catering company in the Free State .
• Supportive team environment and professional growth opportunities.
• Staff meals provided during shifts.
• Exposure to a wide range of catering challenges and culinary styles.