Banquet & Events Chef

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary and benefits package

Career development

Prestigious events

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Banquet & Events Chef for a renowned hospitality group in Cape Town. You will lead banquet execution, design seasonal menus, oversee event kitchen operations, and collaborate with the events team to deliver memorable dining experiences.

The role demands 4+ years in hotel or large-scale catering, strong cost control, food safety, and outstanding leadership to drive a busy kitchen during peak event periods in Cape Town.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years progressive experience as a chef in a hotel, convention center, or large-scale catering environment.
• Banquet and event catering experience is essential.
• Strong knowledge of diverse culinary styles and presentation techniques suitable for events.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and direct staff.
• Solid understanding of cost control, budgeting, and inventory management.
• Proficiency in food safety standards and best practices.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as dictated by event bookings in Cape Town.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary execution for all banquets and events, ensuring timely and high-quality food preparation and service.
• Design and develop innovative, seasonally appropriate menus for various event types, working closely with the events team and clients.
• Oversee kitchen operations during events, including managing staff, ensuring efficient workflow, and maintaining presentation standards.
• Control food costs by effectively managing inventory, ordering supplies, and minimizing waste.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
• Collaborate with the Food & Beverage Manager to align culinary offerings with overall venue strategy.
• Maintain impeccable standards of cleanliness and organization in all kitchen areas.
• Source high-quality ingredients, building relationships with local suppliers where possible.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Menu design

Food safety

Cost control

Inventory management

Problem solving

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned hospitality group operating in the vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape , is seeking a talented and dedicated Banquet & Events Chef. This role is perfect for a culinary artist with a passion for creating spectacular food experiences for a wide array of events, from intimate corporate gatherings to grand weddings. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional organizational skills, creativity in menu design, and the ability to manage a busy kitchen brigade that consistently delivers high-quality cuisine under pressure. You will play a key role in ensuring client satisfaction by providing memorable dishes that elevate any occasion hosted in Cape Town .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary execution for all banquets and events, ensuring timely and high-quality food preparation and service.
• Design and develop innovative, seasonally appropriate menus for various event types, working closely with the events team and clients.
• Oversee kitchen operations during events, including managing staff, ensuring efficient workflow, and maintaining presentation standards.
• Control food costs by effectively managing inventory, ordering supplies, and minimizing waste.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
• Collaborate with the Food & Beverage Manager to align culinary offerings with overall venue strategy.
• Maintain impeccable standards of cleanliness and organization in all kitchen areas.
• Source high-quality ingredients, building relationships with local suppliers where possible.

Requirements

• A minimum of 4 years of progressive experience as a chef in a hotel, convention center, or large-scale catering environment.
• Demonstrated experience specifically in banquet and event catering is essential.
• Strong knowledge of diverse culinary styles and presentation techniques suitable for events.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and direct staff.
• Solid understanding of cost control, budgeting, and inventory management.
• Proficiency in food safety standards and best practices.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as dictated by event bookings in Cape Town .
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills.
• A creative mindset with a passion for culinary excellence and client satisfaction.

Benefits

• Attractive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to shape the culinary experience at prestigious events in Cape Town .
• Access to professional development programs.
• Work within a reputable and growing hospitality group.
• Collaborative and stimulating work environment.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.