Executive Chef - Catering

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health and wellness benefits

Paid time off

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the catering division. You will craft menus, oversee kitchen operations, and steer culinary innovation for a discerning client base.

We seek a dynamic leader with 7+ years in high-volume catering or fine dining, strong budgeting and team management skills, and a proven track record in menu development and food safety standards.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive culinary experience with leadership in catering or fine dining.
• Proven ability to develop menus, costings and food budgets.
• Strong leadership, communication and team management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of diverse cuisines, techniques and presentation.
• Proficiency in kitchen hygiene and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design innovative menus for diverse events.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, food prep, presentation and quality control.
• Mentor and lead chefs, cooks and staff to foster excellence.
• Maintain inventory, control costs and reduce waste.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety and sanitation regulations.
• Collaborate with catering management to deliver seamless events and client satisfaction.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly creative and experienced Executive Chef to lead their prestigious catering division based in George . This role demands exceptional culinary artistry, leadership, and operational oversight to deliver exquisite dining experiences for a discerning clientele. You will be responsible for menu creation, kitchen management, team leadership, and maintaining the highest standards of quality and innovation across all catered events. The successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping the culinary direction and reputation of the catering service in the scenic Western Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute innovative and high-quality menus for a diverse range of events.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, presentation, and quality control.
• Manage and mentor a team of chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Maintain stringent inventory management, cost control, and waste reduction strategies.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Collaborate with the catering management team to ensure seamless event execution and client satisfaction.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role such as Executive Chef or Head Chef within a high-volume catering or fine dining establishment.
• Professional culinary degree or equivalent experience.
• Exceptional knowledge of diverse cuisines, cooking techniques, and presentation styles.
• Proven experience in menu development, costing, and food budget management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Proficiency in kitchen hygiene and safety standards.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to lead culinary innovation in a renowned catering service.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Generous paid time off and holiday allowances.
• Supportive work environment with opportunities for professional growth.