Executive Chef & Culinary Director

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 765,000 - 935,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development and training

Dynamic and supportive work环境

Access to high-quality ingredients

State-of-the-art kitchen facilities

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting an Executive Chef & Culinary Director to lead culinary operations in Johannesburg. You will develop innovative menus, maintain exceptional quality, and manage the kitchen brigade to deliver high-end catering and events.

We seek a visionary culinary leader with at least 5 years in a similar role, formal qualification, and a proven track record in cost control, hygiene, and staff development.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as Executive/Head Chef in high-end catering or reputable restaurant.
• Formal culinary qualification from a recognized institution.
• Strong leadership and team management with delivery of results.
• Extensive knowledge of cuisines, techniques and presentation.
• Solid understanding of food costing, inventory and budgeting.
• Impeccable hygiene, safety and HACCP compliance.
• Excellent communication and problem solving for client events.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute innovative, seasonal menus for events ranging from intimate to large-scale.
• Lead, train and mentor the kitchen brigade toward excellence.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including prep, cooking, plating and presentation.
• Manage inventory, procurement and cost control to optimize food costs.
• Maintain rigorous hygiene and food safety standards and HACCP compliance.
• Collaborate with event planning to deliver bespoke culinary solutions.
• Conduct taste tests, menu tastings and quality control checks.
• Stay updated on culinary trends and sourcing to keep menus fresh.

Skills

Executive chef leadership

Menu development

Costing & inventory

Food safety & HACCP

Cuisine knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Formal culinary qualification

Tools

Menu development software

Kitchen management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious catering and event management company, is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Executive Chef & Culinary Director to lead their culinary operations in **Johannesburg**. This is a pivotal role for a passionate culinary artist who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and possesses a proven track record of excellence in high-volume catering and fine dining. The ideal candidate will be responsible for developing innovative menus, maintaining impeccable food quality and presentation standards, and managing all aspects of the kitchen brigade. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the culinary identity of a leading brand in the **Johannesburg** catering scene, ensuring client satisfaction and driving business growth through exceptional gastronomic experiences. The role demands a blend of creativity, strong leadership, and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every event is a culinary triumph. We are looking for someone who is not just a chef, but a true culinary leader.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute innovative, seasonal menus for a diverse range of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions and weddings in **Johannesburg**.
• Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation, ensuring adherence to the highest quality standards.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and cost control, ensuring optimal food costs and minimizing waste.
• Maintain rigorous hygiene and food safety standards, complying with all relevant regulations and implementing best practices.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to understand client needs and deliver bespoke culinary solutions.
• Conduct regular taste tests, menu tastings, and quality control checks.
• Stay abreast of current culinary trends, techniques, and ingredient sourcing to keep menus fresh and exciting.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef in a high-end catering or reputable restaurant environment, preferably within **Johannesburg**.
• Formal culinary qualification from a recognized institution.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse kitchen staff.
• Extensive knowledge of various cuisines, cooking techniques, and presentation styles.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, and financial acumen.
• Impeccable understanding of food safety, hygiene, and HACCP principles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Creativity and a passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences.
• Proficiency in menu development software and standard kitchen management tools.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple events simultaneously.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package of R850,000.
• Opportunity to lead culinary innovation for a renowned catering brand in **Johannesburg**.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment.
• Access to high-quality ingredients and state-of-the-art kitchen facilities.
• Contribution to impactful events and memorable client experiences.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.