Banquet and Events Chef

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Supportive work environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Banquet and Events Chef to lead the kitchen at a premier Paarl event venue. You will plan menus, manage a banquet kitchen team, and ensure top-quality food preparation and presentation for a range of events from intimate gatherings to large banquets.

You will oversee food safety, costing, inventory, and supplier relationships while collaborating with events staff to deliver exceptional guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Banquet Chef, Events Chef, or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume catering or venue setting.
• Proven expertise in planning and executing large-scale banquets and events.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and guide kitchen staff.
• Excellent understanding of food costing, inventory control, and waste management.
• Proficiency in health, safety, and sanitation standards (e.g., HACCP).

Responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations for banquets and events, ensuring efficiency and high-quality output.
• Develop creative and appealing menus suitable for various event types and client requirements.
• Manage and train banquet kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performance team environment.
• Collaborate with events management to understand event details, guest numbers, and culinary needs.
• Contribute to menu costing and pricing strategies.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious event venue and catering service provider in Paarl, Western Cape , is seeking an experienced Banquet and Events Chef to lead their dedicated kitchen team. This role is critical in delivering high-quality culinary experiences for a wide array of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale banquets. The Banquet and Events Chef will be responsible for menu planning, food preparation, team management, and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and presentation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in banqueting and event catering, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for creating memorable dishes. You will work closely with the events management team to ensure client satisfaction and operational excellence. This is a demanding but rewarding role for a culinary professional looking to excel in a dynamic event environment.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee all aspects of the kitchen operations for banquets and events, ensuring efficiency and high-quality output. Develop creative and appealing menus suitable for various event types and client requirements. Manage and train the banquet kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team environment. Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations. Control food costs through effective inventory management, portion control, and waste reduction strategies. Collaborate with the events team to understand event details, guest numbers, and specific culinary needs. Ensure consistent quality and presentation of all dishes served. Maintain kitchen equipment and facilities, ensuring they are in optimal working condition. Manage supplier relationships for the procurement of fresh ingredients and supplies. Respond effectively to last-minute changes or special requests during events. Contribute to menu costing and pricing strategies.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Banquet Chef, Events Chef, or Senior Sous Chef in a similar high-volume catering or venue setting. Proven expertise in planning and executing large-scale banquets and events. Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide kitchen staff. Excellent understanding of food costing, inventory control, and waste management. Proficiency in health, safety, and sanitation standards (e.g., HACCP). Creative flair for menu development and presentation. Ability to work under pressure and adapt to demanding schedules, including evenings and weekends. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification is preferred. Must possess a passion for food quality and exceptional service delivery.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and expertise, along with opportunities for professional development within a leading event venue in Paarl . Benefits include a supportive work environment, potential for performance-based bonuses, and the chance to contribute to a wide range of high-profile events. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled chef to advance their career in the vibrant Western Cape hospitality scene.