Executive Event Chef (Remote)

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote autonomy over work

Professional development opportunities

Career advancement potential

Flexible working hours

Supportive event-planning team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Executive Event Chef to lead culinary remotely, shaping menus from concept to execution for high-profile events.

You will manage kitchen operations from your home space, ensuring top-quality, visually stunning dishes while maintaining strict food safety standards. Strong leadership, communication, and culinary excellence are essential for success.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in high-end catering or fine dining
• 3+ years in head chef or executive chef role
• Strong menu development and costing experience
• Excellent remote leadership and communication skills
• Familiarity with HACCP and hygiene standards

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize innovative, seasonally appropriate menus for weddings and corporate events.
• Conduct detailed cost analysis to ensure profitability and quality.
• Source quality ingredients from approved suppliers and build strong relationships.
• Provide remote guidance to kitchen teams at venues and ensure recipe adherence.
• Develop comprehensive recipe books with preparation and plating guides.
• Collaborate with planners and clients to meet dietary needs and preferences.
• Oversee food safety across events and provide remote training as needed.
• Manage inventory and food costs through remote tracking and analysis.
• Stay updated on culinary trends to enhance offerings.
• Conduct remote tastings and client presentations.

Skills

Executive leadership

Menu development

Costing & budgeting

Remote collaboration tech

Team remote management

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Tools

Video conferencing

Project management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in bespoke event catering, is seeking a highly experienced and innovative Executive Event Chef to join their dynamic team. This is a fully remote, permanent position offering the opportunity to shape culinary experiences from concept to execution without being tied to a physical kitchen. You will be instrumental in developing exceptional menus, overseeing kitchen operations remotely, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and presentation for a diverse range of events. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in fine dining and large-scale catering, coupled with exceptional leadership and communication skills. This role requires a proactive approach, excellent organizational abilities, and a passion for delivering unforgettable gastronomic delights. You will collaborate closely with clients and the event planning team to bring culinary visions to life, ensuring every dish is a masterpiece. This remote position demands a high degree of self-discipline and the ability to manage projects efficiently from your own professional kitchen space or a dedicated home office setup. Embrace the future of catering management in this exciting, ground-breaking opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and develop innovative and seasonally appropriate menus for a variety of high-profile events, including weddings, corporate functions, and private parties.
• Conduct detailed cost analysis for all menu items and recipes, ensuring profitability while maintaining quality standards.
• Source high-quality ingredients from approved suppliers, fostering strong relationships to ensure consistent availability and freshness.
• Provide remote guidance and oversight to kitchen teams and chefs at event venues, ensuring adherence to recipes, preparation methods, and presentation standards.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive recipe books, including detailed preparation instructions and plating guides.
• Collaborate closely with event planners and clients to understand their specific needs, preferences, and dietary restrictions, offering expert culinary advice.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety and hygiene regulations (HACCP, local health codes) across all catered events, providing remote training and support as needed.
• Manage inventory and food costs effectively through remote tracking and analysis.
• Stay abreast of the latest culinary trends, techniques, and market innovations to continuously enhance the company's offerings.
• Conduct remote tasting sessions and menu presentations for clients.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in high-end catering or fine dining establishments, with at least 3 years in a Head Chef or Executive Chef role.
• Proven experience in menu development, costing, and kitchen management.
• Exceptional culinary skills and a passion for creating visually appealing and delicious food.
• Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen hygiene best practices.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and manage a team remotely.
• Proficiency in using technology for remote collaboration, including video conferencing, project management software, and digital recipe management tools.
• A dedicated, professional home kitchen setup or a willingness to adapt and utilize provided remote kitchen facilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification is highly desirable.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R .
• Opportunity to work remotely and have significant autonomy over your work.
• Be part of an innovative and growing company at the forefront of the catering industry.
• Access to professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• Contribution to a dynamic team environment focused on excellence.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.
• Flexible working hours, managed effectively to ensure remote productivity.