Executive Chef - Catering Division

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Performance bonuses

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a leading hospitality group to recruit an Executive Chef for Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. The role oversees the culinary operations, driving menu innovation, controlling costs, and maintaining top-tier food safety and presentation across events.

The successful candidate will have 7+ years in executive/head chef roles within high-volume catering, a culinary degree, and strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills to manage a diverse kitchen team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading high-volume catering operations.
• Strong menu development and costing capabilities.
• Demonstrated leadership and staff mentoring abilities.
• Extensive knowledge of food safety and sanitation.
• Ability to manage multiple events and adapt to client needs.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all culinary activities for the catering division.
• Develop and execute innovative menus that align with client expectations.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including preparation, cooking, and plating.
• Manage food and beverage costs with inventory control and waste reduction.
• Recruit, train, and manage kitchen staff.
• Maintain health, safety, and sanitation standards.
• Collaborate with catering management to ensure seamless events.
• Ensure consistency in food quality and presentation across events.
• Stay updated on culinary advancements and techniques.

Skills

Executive leadership

Menu development

Food cost management

Team mentoring

Food safety

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading hospitality group renowned for its exceptional catering services, is seeking an accomplished Executive Chef to lead their culinary operations in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This senior role is responsible for the overall direction and management of the kitchen, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, creativity, and presentation. The Executive Chef will drive menu innovation, manage food costs effectively, oversee kitchen staff, and maintain impeciplion hygiene and safety standards. This is a high-impact position for a culinary visionary who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering unforgettable dining experiences for a diverse range of events. Join our client in the vibrant coastal city of Richards Bay and take your culinary career to new heights.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all culinary activities for the catering division.
• Develop and execute innovative menus that align with current culinary trends and client expectations.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating.
• Manage food and beverage costs, ensuring profitability through effective inventory control and waste reduction.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage the performance of all kitchen staff.
• Maintain strict adherence to all health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Collaborate with the catering management team to ensure seamless event execution.
• Ensure consistency in food quality and presentation across all events.
• Stay updated on culinary advancements and techniques.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (7+ years) as an Executive Chef or Head Chef, with a significant portion in a high-volume catering environment.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training from a reputable institution.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu development, costing, and kitchen management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate a diverse kitchen team.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety and sanitation principles.
• Experience working with various cuisines and dietary requirements.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic setting in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal .
• Passion for culinary excellence and creativity.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary, comprehensive medical aid, performance bonuses, and significant opportunities for professional growth and development. You will enjoy working in a stunning location with access to premium ingredients and a supportive team environment. This role provides the chance to lead a talented culinary team and shape the gastronomic landscape of events in Richards Bay .