Executive Head Chef — Lead Innovative Event Catering

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Annual bonus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Head Chef in Johannesburg to lead a dynamic culinary team for a prestigious catering client. The role focuses on developing diverse menus, ensuring top-quality presentations, and maintaining flawless service during high-profile events.

You will mentor sous chefs and kitchen staff, manage food costs, uphold HACCP standards, and coordinate with event planners to deliver exceptional dining experiences across Gauteng.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in professional kitchens with 3+ years in Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef roles, preferably in catering.
• Formal culinary training and certification from a recognized institution.
• Strong menu engineering, cost control, and kitchen management software proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan, and execute diverse menus meeting client expectations and dietary requirements.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of sous chefs, line cooks, and kitchen staff.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene, and safety per health regulations and company policies.
• Manage inventory, control food costs, and optimize procurement to ensure profitability and reduce waste.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to ensure seamless culinary execution for all catered functions.
• Oversee catering setup and breakdown across venues with consistent presentation standards.

Skills

Leadership

Menu engineering

Cost control

Food safety

Communication

Education

Culinary diploma/certification

Tools

Kitchen management software

Inventory management systems

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Head Chef in Johannesburg to lead a dynamic culinary team for a prestigious catering client. The role focuses on developing diverse menus, ensuring top-quality presentations, and maintaining flawless service during high-profile events.

You will mentor sous chefs and kitchen staff, manage food costs, uphold HACCP standards, and coordinate with event planners to deliver exceptional dining experiences across Gauteng.