Banquet and Event Chef

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid vacation

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington seeks an experienced Banquet and Event Chef to lead the catering division for diverse events. You will head menu development, food prep, and team leadership while ensuring exceptional quality and client satisfaction.

The role emphasizes high-volume production, impeccable standards, and collaboration with the events team to deliver memorable culinary experiences at a premier venue in the Northern Cape. Competitive salary and growth opportunities are offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as Banquet Chef or Event Chef in high-volume catering.
• Strong leadership and staff development ability.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, sanitation and hygiene.
• Inventory control, food costing and budget management.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Creative menu development and presentation skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible to work evenings, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and execute menus for banquets and catered events with variety and quality.
• Mentor and manage the banquet kitchen team to foster high performance.
• Ensure all dishes meet top quality, taste and presentation standards.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations including production, inventory and ordering.
• Maintain strict food safety, sanitation and hygiene standards.
• Collaborate with events team to tailor menus to client requests.
• Control food costs and manage kitchen expenses within budget.
• Ensure efficient workflow and timely banquet service.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and a safe, organized work environment.
• Contribute to menu innovation and expand catering offerings.

Skills

Menu planning

Leadership

Food safety

Cost control

High-volume catering

Time management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier hospitality venue in Upington , is seeking a talented and experienced Banquet and Event Chef to lead their catering division for a wide array of events, from intimate corporate dinners to large-scale weddings and conferences. This role is perfect for a culinary professional with a passion for creating exquisite dishes for diverse functions and managing high-volume production. The Banquet and Event Chef will be responsible for menu development, food preparation, team leadership, maintaining impeccable quality standards, and ensuring client satisfaction. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, creativity, and a proven ability to execute flawless culinary experiences in a banquet setting. You will play a vital role in maintaining the venue's reputation for exceptional food and service in the Northern Cape region. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase your culinary talents and leadership skills in a dynamic and rewarding environment. Join a dedicated team focused on delivering memorable events.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and execute menus for all banquets and catered events, ensuring variety and quality.
• Manage and mentor the banquet kitchen brigade, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
• Ensure all food is prepared to the highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including food production, inventory management, and ordering.
• Maintain strict adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations.
• Collaborate with the events team to develop customized menus and accommodate client requests.
• Control food costs and manage kitchen expenses within budget.
• Ensure efficient workflow and timely execution of all banquet services.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure a safe and organized working environment.
• Contribute to menu innovation and enhance the overall catering offering.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Banquet Chef, Event Chef, or in a similar high-volume catering role.
• Proven expertise in menu planning and execution for large-scale events and banquets.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and train staff.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
• Proficiency in inventory control, food costing, and budget management.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Creative flair and a passion for developing appealing and delicious event cuisine.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by event schedules.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with performance-based bonuses.
• Full-time employees are eligible for comprehensive health insurance, paid vacation, and retirement plan contributions.
• You will have the opportunity to work in a prestigious venue, collaborate with a dedicated events team, and contribute to memorable occasions.
• Professional development opportunities and career advancement within the hospitality industry are available.
• This is an exciting opportunity to lead culinary excellence for events in Upington .