Commercial Kitchen Manager

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 400,000 - 560,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Modern kitchen facilities

Development opportunities

Supportive team

Bonuses potential

Gauteng region

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, South Africa seeks an experienced Commercial Kitchen Manager to lead a busy kitchen for high-volume catering.

You will manage a team, oversee inventory, costs, and food safety, and collaborate with sales and events to ensure flawless execution. This hands-on role rewards leadership, organization, and culinary excellence in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a commercial kitchen management or head chef role.
• Formal culinary qualifications or equivalent experience.
• Proven track record in staff management and leadership.
• Strong inventory control, cost management, and budget adherence.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP).
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and dispatch.
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of chefs and kitchen assistants.
• Oversee inventory management, including ordering supplies and stock rotation.
• Enforce strict food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols.
• Develop and cost menus in collaboration with management.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and facilities in good working order.
• Monitor and control food and labour costs to meet budgets.
• Ensure consistent high-quality food across all events.
• Collaborate with sales and events teams to understand client requirements.

Skills

Staff management

Inventory control

Food safety

Leadership

Budgeting

Time management

Communication

Education

Formal culinary qualifications

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a high-volume catering operation serving the Vereeniging area, seeks an experienced Commercial Kitchen Manager to lead their kitchen team. This pivotal role involves overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring the efficient production of high-quality food for various catering events. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in culinary arts, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven ability to manage inventory, control costs, and maintain rigorous food safety standards. You will be responsible for managing staff, optimizing workflows, and ensuring that the kitchen operates at peak performance. This is a hands‑on management position requiring dedication, organization, and a passion for culinary excellence in a demanding environment within Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and dispatch.
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of chefs and kitchen assistants, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Oversee inventory management, including ordering supplies, stock rotation, and minimizing waste.
• Implement and enforce strict food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols in accordance with health regulations.
• Develop and cost menus in collaboration with the catering management team, ensuring profitability and customer satisfaction.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and facilities, ensuring they are in good working order and properly maintained.
• Monitor and control food and labour costs to meet budgetary targets.
• Ensure consistency and quality in all food produced, meeting the high standards expected by our client.
• Collaborate with the sales and events teams to understand client requirements and ensure seamless execution of catering services.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a commercial kitchen management or head chef role, preferably in a high-volume catering or food service environment.
• Formal culinary qualifications or equivalent experience.
• Proven track record in staff management, training, and team leadership.
• Strong understanding of inventory control, cost management, and budget adherence.
• In‑depth knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP) and best practices.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing demands.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be physically capable of performing kitchen duties and available to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, in Vereeniging .

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to manage operations for a busy catering company.
• Access to modern kitchen facilities.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and dynamic team environment.
• Potential for performance‑based bonuses.
• Contribute to a reputable business in the Gauteng region.