Executive Head Chef — Menu Innovation & Team Leadership

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, is seeking a visionary Head Chef to lead the culinary direction for premium catering and high-profile events. You will manage menu development, kitchen operations, and a talented team, ensuring exceptional quality and presentation.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, cost awareness, food safety, and continuous innovation, with the opportunity to shape the culinary identity of the company in Gauteng.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of progressive culinary experience.
• 4+ years in Head Chef or Exec Sous Chef role, catering/high-volume environment.
• Proven ability to develop innovative menus.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations, including menu planning, recipe development, and execution for various catering events.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of chefs and kitchen staff, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Ensure the highest standards of food quality, taste, and presentation are consistently met.
• Manage kitchen inventory, including procurement, storage, and cost control of food and supplies.
• Implement and enforce strict health, safety, and sanitation standards within the kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with event planners and clients to create customized menus and ensure culinary satisfaction.
• Develop and manage kitchen budgets, optimizing resource allocation and minimizing waste.
• Stay current with culinary trends, techniques, and ingredients, driving innovation in menu offerings.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide training to kitchen staff.
• Maintain efficient kitchen operations, ensuring timely preparation and delivery of food for all events.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food safety & QA

Budgeting & cost control

Team management

Education

Formal culinary education or apprenticeship

Job description

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, is seeking a visionary Head Chef to lead the culinary direction for premium catering and high-profile events. You will manage menu development, kitchen operations, and a talented team, ensuring exceptional quality and presentation.

The role emphasizes strong leadership, cost awareness, food safety, and continuous innovation, with the opportunity to shape the culinary identity of the company in Gauteng.