Culinary Team Leader - Event Catering

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Modern kitchen facilities

Quality ingredients

Professional growth

Dynamic team

George location

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Culinary Team Leader to oversee daily kitchen operations in George, Western Cape. You will lead chefs and kitchen staff to deliver exceptional food quality and presentation for events, while maintaining high hygiene standards and a collaborative team environment.

Work closely with the Head Chef and event managers to ensure smooth operations, menu innovation, and cost control in a high-volume catering setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of progressive culinary experience.
• At least 2 years in supervisory or team leadership role within catering or high-volume food service.
• Strong knowledge of various cooking techniques, cuisines, and presentation.
• Experience with inventory management, food costing, and supplier relations.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, sanitation, and health regulations (e.g., HACCP).
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for effective team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation to ensure adherence to high standards.
• Assist in menu planning, recipe development, and cost control measures.
• Manage inventory, ordering of supplies, and maintain relationships with vendors.
• Ensure strict compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations in the kitchen.
• Supervise staff during events, ensuring efficient workflow and timely service delivery.
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and all equipment.
• Contribute to training and development of junior kitchen staff.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Uphold the reputation of Placements24 for culinary excellence in George.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished catering service provider in the picturesque Western Cape region, specifically George, is seeking an experienced and dynamic Culinary Team Leader. This role is essential for overseeing the daily culinary operations and leading a team of chefs and kitchen staff to deliver exceptional food quality and presentation for a wide array of events. You will work closely with the Head Chef and event managers to ensure smooth kitchen operations, maintain high standards of hygiene, and contribute to menu innovation. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, a comprehensive understanding of culinary techniques, and a passion for creating outstanding dining experiences in a demanding event setting. Join a dedicated team and play a key role in the success of our client's prestigious catering services.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation to ensure adherence to our client's high standards.
• Assist in menu planning, recipe development, and cost control measures.
• Manage inventory, ordering of supplies, and maintain relationships with vendors.
• Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations in the kitchen.
• Supervise staff during events, ensuring efficient workflow and timely service delivery.
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and all equipment.
• Contribute to training and development of junior kitchen staff.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Uphold the reputation of our client for culinary excellence in George.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or team leadership role within catering or a similar high-volume food service environment.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a kitchen team effectively.
• Strong knowledge of various cooking techniques, cuisines, and food presentation.
• Experience with inventory management, food costing, and supplier relations.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, sanitation, and health regulations (e.g., HACCP).
• Good communication and interpersonal skills for effective team collaboration.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage time efficiently in a fast-paced setting.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality and consistency.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as required by event schedules in the Western Cape.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting your experience and leadership skills.
• Opportunity to work with a leading catering company in a beautiful region.
• Access to quality ingredients and modern kitchen facilities.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• A dynamic and supportive team atmosphere in George.
• Be part of creating memorable culinary experiences for a wide range of events.