Culinary Team Lead (Catering)

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Overtime pay

Performance reviews

Employee discount on catering

Training & development

Paid leave

Winelands exposure

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a motivated Culinary Team Lead in Paarl to guide a busy kitchen crew, ensuring high-quality dishes for events and maintaining stringent safety standards.

You will mentor staff, contribute to menu development, manage inventory, and uphold efficiency in a fast-paced environment within the Paarl, Western Cape culinary scene.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a professional kitchen.
• Some supervisory or lead experience preferred.
• Strong cooking techniques, food preparation and presentation knowledge.
• Knowledge of food safety and HACCP.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and supervise kitchen staff during food preparation and service.
• Ensure dishes are prepared to established recipes and standards.
• Assist in menu planning and development with seasonal specials.
• Maintain a clean, safe kitchen environment and comply with health regulations.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation and timely ordering.
• Monitor food quality and presentation to meet standards.
• Collaborate with catering manager for seamless event execution.
• Conduct regular training on techniques, hygiene, and safety.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Time management

Culinary training

Education

Culinary certification or training

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished caterer celebrated for its exquisite culinary creations and impeccable service, is seeking a motivated and skilled Culinary Team Lead to join their dynamic team in **Paarl, Western Cape**. In this hands-on role, you will be responsible for guiding and mentoring a team of kitchen staff, ensuring the efficient production of high-quality dishes for a wide range of events. You will play a crucial part in maintaining culinary excellence, upholding stringent food safety standards, and contributing to menu innovation. The ideal candidate is a passionate cook with leadership potential, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to teamwork. This position offers a fantastic opportunity to grow your career within the vibrant **Paarl** culinary scene.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and supervise kitchen staff during food preparation and service.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared according to established recipes and quality standards.
• Assist in menu planning and development, contributing creative ideas for seasonal specials and new offerings.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment in the kitchen, adhering to all health and safety regulations.
• Manage inventory of ingredients, ensuring proper storage, stock rotation, and timely ordering.
• Monitor food quality and presentation, making adjustments as needed to meet company standards.
• Collaborate with the catering manager to ensure smooth execution of all culinary aspects of events.
• Conduct regular training sessions for kitchen staff on cooking techniques, hygiene, and safety protocols.
• Troubleshoot any issues that arise in the kitchen, implementing effective solutions promptly.
• Contribute to a positive and productive team atmosphere, fostering teamwork and efficiency.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a professional kitchen environment, with some supervisory or lead experience preferred.
• Solid understanding of cooking techniques, food preparation, and presentation.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards (e.g., HACCP).
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage time efficiently.
• Must be physically fit and able to stand for extended periods, lift moderate weight, and work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required in **Paarl, Western Cape**.
• A passion for food and a commitment to culinary excellence.
• Basic understanding of inventory management and cost control principles.
• Culinary certification or formal culinary training is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly wage or annual salary, dependent on experience.
• Opportunities for overtime pay.
• Regular performance reviews with potential for advancement.
• Employee discount on company catering services.
• Exposure to diverse event types and culinary challenges.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• Paid annual leave and sick leave.
• Be part of a well-respected catering team in the heart of **Winelands**.