Executive Chef - Fine Dining & Events

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

High‑end kitchen facilities

Professional development

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an Executive Chef in Johannesburg to lead culinary operations for a prestigious catering company, designing exquisite menus for events from intimate fine dining to large corporate functions and ensuring gastronomic excellence.

You will mentor a diverse kitchen team, manage costs and inventories, and uphold HACCP and health standards while collaborating with events teams to deliver flawless service across Johannesburg.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Formal culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Proven experience in menu development, costing and execution for diverse event types.
• Strong leadership, team management and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP).

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop and implement innovative seasonal menus for catering events.
• Oversee all kitchen operations: food prep, cooking, plating and presentation to high standards.
• Mentor and manage sous chefs, line cooks and kitchen staff.
• Control food costs, manage inventory and maintain supplier relationships.
• Ensure adherence to health, safety and sanitation regulations (HACCP).
• Collaborate with events planning team for seamless service delivery.
• Conduct food quality checks and tastings to ensure consistency and excellence.
• Manage kitchen budgets and optimize resource allocation.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Menu development

Cost control

Vendor negotiations

Food safety

Education

Formal culinary degree

Tools

HACCP knowledge

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious catering company in Johannesburg , is seeking an exceptionally talented and experienced Executive Chef to lead their culinary operations. This is a critical role focused on designing and executing exquisite menus for a diverse range of events, from intimate fine dining experiences to large-scale corporate functions. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of culinary arts, impeccable leadership skills, and a passion for delivering unparalleled gastronomic excellence. You will be instrumental in maintaining the company's reputation for quality and innovation, driving customer satisfaction, and ensuring operational efficiency within the kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and implement innovative and seasonal menus for various catering events, ensuring alignment with client requirements and current culinary trends.
• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation, to the highest standards.
• Manage and mentor a team of sous chefs, line cooks, and kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and maintain strong relationships with suppliers to ensure quality ingredients at competitive prices.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and sanitation regulations (HACCP) in all kitchen activities.
• Collaborate closely with the events planning team to ensure seamless execution of catering services.
• Conduct regular food quality checks and taste panels to maintain consistency and excellence.
• Manage kitchen budgets and optimize resource allocation.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as an Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef, preferably within the high-end catering or hospitality industry.
• Formal culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Proven expertise in menu development, costing, and execution for diverse event types.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards and best practices (e.g., HACCP certification is a strong plus).
• Experience with inventory management and supplier negotiations.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Creative flair and a passion for culinary innovation.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as required by event schedules in Johannesburg .

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Opportunity to lead culinary innovation for a renowned catering service.
• Access to high-quality ingredients and state-of-the-art kitchen facilities.
• Professional development and growth opportunities within the company.
• Employee assistance program and other standard benefits.
• Be part of a dynamic and passionate team dedicated to culinary excellence in Johannesburg .