Senior Event Chef - Bespoke Catering

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); On-site; USD 51,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary bonus

Prestigious events in Eastern Cape

Development opportunities

Supportive environment

Modern kitchen facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Event Chef to lead culinary operations for high-profile events in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. The role requires a creative chef who can develop unique menus and manage kitchen activities to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

The ideal candidate has a recognized culinary qualification with 6+ years of progressive cooking experience and at least 2 years in a senior/head chef position within catering or fine dining.

Qualifications

• Recognized culinary qualification and 6+ years as a chef, with at least 2 years in a senior/head role within catering or fine dining.
• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP and food safety regulations.
• Experience with menu costing and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary team in preparing and executing exquisite menus for diverse events, from intimate dinners to large banquets.
• Conceptualize and develop innovative menu offerings based on seasonal ingredients and client preferences.
• Manage kitchen staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and optimize purchasing to minimize waste and maximize profitability.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to align culinary vision with client needs.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency across events.
• Oversee kitchen operations to ensure smooth workflow and efficiency.
• Contribute to strategic direction of the culinary department.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food safety HACCP

Cost control

Staff management

Event catering

Pressure management

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious catering company specializing in bespoke events, is seeking a talented Senior Event Chef to lead culinary operations in **Queenstown, Eastern Cape**. This role requires a chef with exceptional creativity, refined culinary skills, and the ability to manage kitchen operations for high-profile events. You will be responsible for developing unique menus, overseeing food preparation, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and presentation. The ideal candidate will have a passion for creating memorable dining experiences and a proven track record in demanding event environments. Join a dedicated team and contribute to the success of unforgettable occasions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary team in preparing and executing exquisite menus for a variety of events, from intimate dinners to large banquets.


• Conceptualize and develop innovative menu offerings, considering seasonal ingredients and client preferences.


• Manage kitchen staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.


• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards.


• Control food costs, manage inventory, and optimize purchasing to minimize waste and maximize profitability.


• Collaborate closely with the event planning team to understand client needs and ensure culinary vision alignment.


• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency across all events.


• Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring smooth workflow and efficient use of resources.


• Contribute to the overall strategic direction of the culinary department.

Requirements

• A recognized culinary qualification and a minimum of 6 years of progressive experience as a chef, with at least 2 years in a senior or head chef role within catering or fine dining.


• Demonstrated expertise in diverse cuisines and advanced cooking techniques.


• Proven leadership and team management capabilities.


• Strong understanding of event logistics, menu costing, and inventory management.


• Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations and HACCP principles.


• Ability to perform well under pressure and manage multiple demanding events simultaneously.


• Exceptional attention to detail and a passion for culinary artistry.


• Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required in **Queentown, Eastern Cape**.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential performance-based bonuses.


• Opportunity to showcase culinary talent at prestigious events in **Eastern Cape**.


• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.


• A supportive and collaborative working environment.


• Work with high-quality ingredients and modern kitchen facilities.