Banquet Chef - Upscale Events

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Beautiful venue to manage prestigious,

Professional development and growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Banquet Chef to lead the banquet kitchen operations for events in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role focuses on menu execution, food quality, and presentation across weddings, conferences, and gala dinners.

You will manage banquet staff, ensure safety standards, and collaborate with the events team to deliver outstanding dining experiences in a premier venue.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in banquet or large-scale catering.
• Experience managing kitchen operations for events with 200+ guests.
• Solid knowledge of international cuisines and modern culinary techniques.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficient in food safety and HACCP principles.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all food preparation and plating for banquet events.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef on menu development and specials.
• Lead and train banquet kitchen staff for high performance.
• Maintain exceptional food quality, taste, and presentation.
• Ensure strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards.
• Manage inventory and control costs within the banquet kitchen.
• Coordinate with event managers to ensure timely delivery of culinary requirements.
• Develop creative plating and presentation techniques.
• Uphold the venue's reputation for excellence in event catering.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Organizational skills

Food cost management

HACCP knowledge

Education

Culinary certification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier event venue and catering provider in Nelspruit, is seeking a skilled and passionate Banquet Chef to lead their banquet kitchen operations. This role is central to delivering outstanding culinary experiences for a multitude of events, including weddings, conferences, and gala dinners held at their esteemed location in Mpumalanga. The Banquet Chef will be responsible for menu execution, maintaining exceptional food quality and presentation, managing kitchen staff during banquets, and ensuring adherence to all safety and hygiene standards. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in banquet or large-scale event catering, creative flair, and robust leadership capabilities. Join a dynamic team and contribute to the success of unforgettable events hosted by our client.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and execute all food preparation and cooking for banquet events according to established standards.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu development and specials for banquets.
• Manage and train banquet kitchen staff, ensuring efficient workflow and high performance.
• Maintain impeccable standards of food quality, taste, and visual presentation for all banquet dishes.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations.
• Manage inventory and control food costs within the banquet kitchen.
• Coordinate with event managers to ensure timely and accurate delivery of all culinary requirements.
• Maintain kitchen equipment, ensuring it is clean, safe, and in good working order.
• Develop creative plating and presentation techniques for banquet services.
• Uphold the reputation of our client for excellence in event catering in Nelspruit.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Banquet Chef, Sous Chef, or similar role in a high-volume catering or hotel environment.
• Proven experience in managing kitchen operations for large-scale events (e.g., 200+ guests).
• Solid understanding of various international cuisines and modern culinary techniques.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail in a fast-paced setting.
• Knowledge of food cost management and inventory control principles.
• Proficiency in food safety and sanitation practices, including HACCP principles.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing event demands.
• Culinary certification or equivalent professional experience.
• Must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required by event schedules in Mpumalanga.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in a beautiful venue and manage prestigious events.
• Professional development and growth within a reputable catering organization.
• Access to quality ingredients and modern culinary equipment.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment in Nelspruit.
• Chance to create memorable dining experiences for a wide range of clients.