Executive Chef - 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

About the Role

Our client, a leading and highly sought-after catering establishment in Pretoria , is seeking an exceptional Executive Chef to spearhead their culinary division. This is a demanding yet rewarding role for a creative and experienced culinary artist who thrives in a high-volume, fast-paced environment. You will be responsible for the entire spectrum of culinary operations, from menu conceptualization and development to food production, quality control, and kitchen staff management. The ideal candidate will possess a refined palate, a passion for innovation, and the ability to maintain impeccable standards under pressure. This role is critical to maintaining our client's reputation for gastronomic excellence and will involve significant creative input. You will be an integral part of the management team, driving the culinary vision for events across Pretoria and beyond.

Key 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 all health, safety, and hygiene standards and regulations.
• Collaborate with the catering and sales teams to design custom menus and provide culinary expertise for client 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.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in culinary roles, with at least 3 years in an Executive Chef or Head Chef position within high-volume catering or fine dining.
• Formal culinary training from a recognised institution is highly preferred.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor a diverse kitchen staff.
• Proven ability to develop creative, commercially viable menus and execute them flawlessly.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations (HACCP certified is a plus).
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with budgeting, cost control, and inventory management.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Adaptability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a demanding environment.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Pretoria , with flexibility to work extended hours, including weekends and holidays.
• A portfolio showcasing culinary creations and menu designs is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including a substantial annual salary, performance-based bonuses, and potential for profit sharing. Comprehensive health and wellness benefits are provided, along with ample paid time off. This role offers significant creative freedom and the opportunity to shape the culinary direction of a respected catering leader in Pretoria . Excellent opportunities for professional growth and career advancement are available.