Culinary Team Lead - Events & Functions

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Professional growth opportunities

Staff meals provided

Uniforms supplied and laundered

Ongoing training and skill development

Dynamic collaborative environment

Overtime compensation during peak

Access to modern kitchen facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Mahikeng, North West, is seeking a skilled Culinary Team Lead - Events & Functions to guide the kitchen in delivering exceptional event catering. This hands-on leadership role focuses on consistency, quality, and innovative presentation for a wide range of occasions.

You will mentor chefs, oversee menu execution, enforce HACCP and safety standards, manage costs, and collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu development.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years in a professional kitchen; 2+ in a supervisory role.
• Strong culinary skills and presentation knowledge.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and manage a kitchen team.
• Excellent understanding of food safety and HACCP.
• Good organizational, time management and multitasking skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays.
• Passion for culinary excellence and creativity.
• Culinary qualification from a recognized institution is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor chefs and kitchen staff for event catering.
• Oversee preparation and execution of all menu items per recipes.
• Ensure strict food safety, hygiene, sanitation.
• Collaborate on menu development for events.
• Manage kitchen operations during service for efficiency.
• Control food costs by inventory, waste reduction.
• Maintain clean, organized, well-equipped kitchen.
• Train junior staff on techniques and safety.
• Participate in tasting sessions and client consultations.
• Ensure consistency in quality and presentation across events.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary expertise

Team management

Food safety HACCP

Communication

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly growing catering enterprise in Mahikeng, North West , is seeking a skilled and motivated Culinary Team Lead - Events & Functions . This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for guiding the kitchen team in the preparation and execution of exceptional culinary offerings for a wide array of events, from corporate dinners to celebratory gatherings. The ideal candidate possesses strong culinary expertise, excellent leadership capabilities, and a passion for creating high-quality food presentations. You will play a critical role in ensuring consistency, quality, and innovation within the culinary team, contributing significantly to the company's reputation for excellence in event catering.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of chefs and kitchen staff involved in event catering.
• Oversee the preparation and execution of all menu items according to established recipes and quality standards.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef/Catering Manager on menu development and special event creations.
• Manage kitchen operations during service, ensuring efficiency and timely delivery of dishes.
• Control food costs by managing inventory, minimizing waste, and optimizing ingredient usage.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-equipped kitchen environment.
• Train junior staff on culinary techniques, presentation standards, and safety procedures.
• Participate in tasting sessions and assist with client consultations as needed.
• Ensure consistency in food quality and presentation across all events.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a professional kitchen environment, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role, preferably in catering or events.
• Strong culinary skills and knowledge of various cooking techniques and presentation styles.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a kitchen team.
• Excellent understanding of food safety regulations and HACCP principles.
• Good organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as required by event schedules.
• A passion for food and a commitment to culinary excellence.
• Creativity and a willingness to experiment with new dishes and techniques.
• Relevant culinary qualification from a recognized institution is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, reflecting your skills and experience, with potential for performance-based increases.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the company are available.
• You will work with a dedicated team and have the chance to showcase your culinary talent on a variety of events.
• Staff meals are provided during shifts, and uniforms are supplied and laundered.
• Opportunities for ongoing training and skill development in culinary arts and leadership.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment that values creativity and hard work.
• Contribute to the reputation of a growing catering business.
• Potential for overtime compensation during peak periods.
• Access to modern kitchen facilities and equipment.