Executive Chef: Creative Leader for High-Volume Catering

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Profit sharing

Performance bonuses

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Executive Chef for a premier catering operation in Pretoria. You will lead a high-volume kitchen, drive menu concepts, and oversee food production, quality, and staff performance.

The role requires 7+ years in culinary roles, with at least 3 in a Head/Executive Chef position. You will mentor a diverse team, manage costs, and maintain top-tier gastronomic standards while delivering for events across Pretoria and beyond.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive culinary experience; 3+ years in an Executive/Head Chef role in high-volume catering or fine dining.
• Formal culinary training highly preferred.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Experience developing creative, commercially viable menus.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation; HACCP is a plus.
• Strong budgeting, cost control and inventory management.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Willing to relocate to Pretoria; able to work extended hours including weekends and holidays.
• Portfolio of culinary creations and menus advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary team in all aspects of food preparation, cooking and presentation for large-scale events.
• Develop innovative and appealing menus that cater to diverse tastes and dietary requirements, ensuring profitability.
• Maintain strict quality control over all food products, from sourcing ingredients to final plating.
• Manage kitchen operations, including inventory control, ordering, and waste reduction.
• Oversee the training, scheduling and performance management of all kitchen staff.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and hygiene standards and regulations.
• Collaborate with catering and sales teams to design client menus and provide culinary expertise for consultations.
• Control food costs and labor expenses to meet budgetary goals without compromising quality.
• Stay current with culinary trends, techniques, and industry best practices.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment within the kitchen brigade.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Budgeting

Cost control

Inventory management

Communication

Problem solving

Adaptability

Education

Culinary training

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an Executive Chef for a premier catering operation in Pretoria. You will lead a high-volume kitchen, drive menu concepts, and oversee food production, quality, and staff performance.

The role requires 7+ years in culinary roles, with at least 3 in a Head/Executive Chef position. You will mentor a diverse team, manage costs, and maintain top-tier gastronomic standards while delivering for events across Pretoria and beyond.