Executive Corporate Chef - High-End Catering

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

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading salary

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Professional development

Profit-sharing

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg seeks an Executive Corporate Chef to lead its culinary division and shape the gastronomy for premier corporate events. You will design menus, supervise a large kitchen, manage budgets, and ensure top-tier quality for board meetings, galas, and product launches.

The ideal candidate brings a refined palate, mastery of international cuisines, and a proven track record in high-end catering and large-scale events, with strong leadership and client-facing skills.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma from a recognized culinary institution is essential.
• Minimum 8 years in high-end catering and fine dining with 3+ years in Exec/Head Chef roles.
• Strong leadership, budgeting, and menu development capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and develop innovative, sophisticated menus for diverse corporate events.
• Oversee all kitchen operations from prep to plating and presentation.
• Lead and develop a team of chefs and kitchen staff, fostering high performance.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and waste management.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and optimize supplier relations.
• Collaborate with event planning to translate client briefs into experiences.
• Conduct taste panels and quality control checks for executive standards.
• Stay ahead of global culinary trends and integrate them into menus.

Skills

Menu development

Food costing

Inventory management

Kitchen leadership

International cuisines

Plating aesthetics

Event catering

Team leadership

Education

Culinary degree or diploma

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading corporate event management and catering company headquartered in Johannesburg , Gauteng, is seeking an exceptional Executive Corporate Chef to lead its culinary division. This role is pivotal in designing and executing exquisite dining experiences for high-profile corporate clients, including board meetings, executive lunches, product launches, and sophisticated galas. We are looking for a culinary visionary with a proven track record in fine dining and large-scale event catering, exceptional leadership skills, and a passion for innovation. You will be responsible for menu creation, kitchen operations, budget management, quality control, and leading a team of talented chefs and kitchen staff. The ideal candidate possesses a sophisticated palate, a keen understanding of international cuisines, and the ability to translate client briefs into memorable culinary masterpieces. This is a premier opportunity to shape the gastronomic direction of a prominent catering firm in Johannesburg and set new standards for corporate hospitality in the Gauteng region. Our client prides itself on delivering unparalleled quality and service, making this a challenging yet incredibly rewarding position.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop innovative and sophisticated menus for diverse corporate events, catering to various dietary requirements and preferences.
• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation, ensuring the highest standards of quality and consistency.
• Manage and lead a team of sous chefs, line cooks, and kitchen support staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and waste management protocols.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and optimize supplier relationships to maintain profitability and quality.
• Collaborate closely with the event planning team to understand client needs and execute flawless culinary experiences.
• Conduct taste panels and quality control checks to ensure all dishes meet executive standards.
• Stay abreast of global culinary trends, ingredients, and techniques, integrating them into menu offerings.
• Manage kitchen equipment maintenance and ensure all operational tools are in optimal condition.
• Represent the company professionally at client meetings and events, acting as a culinary ambassador in Johannesburg.

Requirements

• A degree or diploma from a recognized culinary institution is essential.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in high-end catering and fine dining establishments, with at least 3 years in an Executive Chef or Head Chef role.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu development, food costing, inventory management, and kitchen leadership.
• Extensive knowledge of international cuisines, modern culinary techniques, and plating aesthetics.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale events and demanding production schedules.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team.
• Impeccable understanding of food safety and hygiene standards (e.g., HACCP certification preferred).
• Creative flair, passion for food, and a commitment to excellence.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing client needs.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Johannesburg , Gauteng .

Benefits

• Our client offers an industry-leading salary package and a performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health benefits and a retirement savings plan are included.
• Opportunities for professional development, including international culinary exposure and advanced training, are readily available.
• Enjoy potential profit-sharing and opportunities for career advancement within a rapidly growing company.
• Work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment with a highly professional and passionate team in the heart of Johannesburg .
• This role offers the chance to lead culinary innovation and define catering excellence in Gauteng.