Executive Chef - Catering Operations

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance incentives

Quality kitchen facilities

Professional development

Dynamic work environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead our catering operations. You will shape menus, oversee kitchen performance, and ensure top quality for diverse events while maintaining a fast-paced, client-facing environment.

The role requires strong leadership, cost awareness, and deep knowledge of food safety. You will mentor kitchen staff, collaborate with event teams, and drive consistency across all services in a dynamic catering business.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Executive/Head Chef in high-volume catering.
• Strong menu planning, costing, and kitchen operations.
• Leadership and communication skills to manage a team.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations.
• Culinary degree or equivalent certification.
• Ability to work in a client-facing environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop seasonal menus for corporate functions, weddings, and private parties.
• Oversee food prep, cooking, presentation, and sanitation.
• Manage inventory and cost control of food and beverage.
• Lead and mentor the kitchen team.
• Collaborate with event planning to meet client needs.
• Ensure health, safety, and hygiene compliance.

Skills

Menu development

Food costing

Kitchen management

Leadership

Food safety

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Executive Chef to lead their catering operations in Johannesburg. This pivotal role involves overseeing all culinary aspects of our diverse event catering services, from menu development and kitchen management to quality control and client satisfaction. You will be instrumental in shaping the culinary direction, ensuring consistent excellence across all events, and fostering a positive, high-performing kitchen environment. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate culinary leader to make a significant impact within a dynamic and growing catering business, working in a busy, client-facing role.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop creative, seasonal, and cost-effective menus for a wide range of events, including corporate functions, weddings, and private parties.
• Manage all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, presentation, and sanitation, ensuring adherence to the highest standards.
• Oversee inventory management, including ordering, receiving, and stock control of all food and beverage supplies to minimize waste and control costs.
• Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen team, fostering a culture of collaboration, skill development, and exceptional performance.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to understand client requirements and deliver unique, memorable culinary experiences.
• Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations, maintaining a spotless and organized kitchen environment.

Requirements

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef in a high-volume catering or hospitality environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu planning, food costing, and kitchen management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional certification is highly desirable.
• Creativity and a passion for delivering exceptional food quality and presentation.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary with performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity to lead culinary innovation for a prestigious catering company.
• Access to high-quality kitchen facilities and resources in Johannesburg.
• Professional development opportunities and training programs.
• A dynamic work environment with exposure to diverse and exciting events.