Banquet Chef - Luxury Hotel Group

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Pension plan

Staff meals

Uniform provided

Paid time off

Training opportunities

Employee discounts

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Banquet Chef for a luxury hotel group in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. Lead banquet operations for weddings, conferences and corporate events, overseeing high-volume service and menu development.

You will manage a team of banquet cooks and kitchen staff, ensure food safety and cost control, and collaborate with the Executive Chef and events team to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years as Banquet Chef or Sous Chef in a hotel or large-scale catering environment.
• Strong culinary skills with a focus on banquet and large-group catering.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety standards and best practices.
• Ability to multitask, stay organized and perform under pressure during peak service.
• Creative flair for menu development and presentation.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of banquet food production, ensuring high standards of quality and presentation.
• Manage and train a team of banquet cooks and kitchen staff.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and events team on menu development and customization for banquets.
• Ensure consistent execution of dishes during high-volume service periods.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, sanitation and hygiene regulations.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and minimize waste within the banquet kitchen.
• Develop production schedules and manage kitchen workflow for efficient service.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the banquet kitchen and equipment.
• Assist with menu costing and pricing for banquet packages.
• Respond to guest feedback and address any issues related to banquet food service promptly.

Skills

Banquet cooking

Team leadership

Menu planning

Food safety

Communication

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious luxury hotel group in Nelspruit, is seeking an experienced and passionate Banquet Chef to lead their banquet operations. This role is responsible for overseeing the preparation and execution of high-quality cuisine for a variety of events, including weddings, conferences, and corporate functions. You will work closely with the Executive Chef and the events team to create exceptional dining experiences for guests, manage a team of kitchen staff, and maintain rigorous standards of quality, hygiene, and cost control. The ideal candidate possesses strong culinary skills, excellent leadership qualities, and a deep understanding of banquet service and menu planning. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the reputation of a renowned hotel brand in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, and further your career in high-volume event catering.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of banquet food production, ensuring high standards of quality and presentation.
• Manage and train a team of banquet cooks and kitchen staff.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and events team on menu development and customization for banquets.
• Ensure consistent execution of dishes during high-volume service periods.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and minimize waste within the banquet kitchen.
• Develop production schedules and manage kitchen workflow for efficient service.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the banquet kitchen and equipment.
• Assist with menu costing and pricing for banquet packages.
• Respond to guest feedback and address any issues related to banquet food service promptly.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience as a Banquet Chef or Sous Chef in a hotel or large-scale catering environment.
• Strong culinary skills with a focus on banquet and large-group catering.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety standards and best practices.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask effectively.
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain composure during demanding service periods.
• Creative flair for menu development and food presentation.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• A passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with a leading luxury hotel brand in Nelspruit.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Pension fund contributions.
• Staff meals and uniform provided.
• Generous paid time off.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Potential for career advancement within the hotel group.
• Employee discounts on hotel services and dining.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment.