Executive Chef: Lead Creative, High-Volume Kitchen

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Provident fund

Annual leave

Professional growth

International exposure

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng, seeks an innovative Executive Chef to lead culinary operations in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. The Executive Chef will manage menu development, food preparation, staff leadership and inventory control to deliver outstanding dining experiences.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of progressive culinary experience, including 3+ years in an Exec/Senior Sous role, with strong leadership, HACCP knowledge, and expertise in international cuisines.

Qualifications

• 7+ years progressive culinary experience with 3+ years in Exec/Senior Sous
• Proven ability to lead a large kitchen brigade
• Expertise across diverse cuisines and techniques
• Strong knowledge of food costing, inventory and purchasing
• Solid HACCP and food safety understanding
• Creative flair with menu development and dish innovation
• Ability to perform under pressure in a demanding environment
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Culinary qualification strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and execute innovative menus aligned with brand and seasonal offerings
• Oversee daily kitchen operations ensuring smooth service and high quality
• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff; conduct performance evaluations
• Maintain strict food costs, inventory, and wastage controls
• Ensure health, safety, and sanitation regulations compliance
• Collaborate with F&B Manager to integrate kitchen and front-of-house
• Source quality ingredients and manage supplier relationships
• Develop recipes and portion control standards
• Conduct regular taste tests and quality checks
• Stay abreast of culinary trends to keep the menu fresh

Skills

Team leadership

Menu development

Cost control

Inventory management

Food safety HACCP

Culinary excellence

Staff training

Education

Culinary degree

Tools

High-volume kitchen management

Job description

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng, seeks an innovative Executive Chef to lead culinary operations in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. The Executive Chef will manage menu development, food preparation, staff leadership and inventory control to deliver outstanding dining experiences.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years of progressive culinary experience, including 3+ years in an Exec/Senior Sous role, with strong leadership, HACCP knowledge, and expertise in international cuisines.