Head Banqueting Chef

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

Benefits offered by this job

Performance incentives

Medical aid

Opportunities for growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an exceptional Head Banqueting Chef to lead a culinary team in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will oversee menu engineering, kitchen operations, and guest satisfaction for large-scale events, Weddings, conferences, and corporate functions.

The role requires leadership, strong cost control, and a passion for innovative, high-quality cuisine. You will drive hygiene, safety, and staff development while collaborating with sales teams to design bespoke experiences that impress a

Qualifications

• Proven experience in high-volume banqueting or catering kitchens.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Expertise in menu design, costing, and seasonal innovations.

Responsibilities

• Lead banqueting kitchen brigade and maintain positive work environment.
• Design, develop, and cost menus for weddings, conferences, and corporate events.
• Ensure consistent high-quality dish production and presentation.
• Oversee inventory, purchasing, and cost control.
• Enforce health, safety and sanitation standards.
• Collaborate with sales/management for bespoke culinary experiences.
• Conduct taste panels and quality checks.
• Manage budgets and waste reduction.
• Train junior chefs and kitchen staff.
• Introduce new culinary techniques and trends.

Skills

Leadership

Menu engineering

Banqueting expertise

Food costing

HACCP & sanitation

Budget control

Staff development

High-volume catering

Education

Formal culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned hospitality provider, is looking for an exceptionally talented and creative Head Banqueting Chef to lead their culinary team in **Tembisa, Gauteng**. This role is ideal for a seasoned chef with extensive experience in large-scale banqueting and event catering. You will be responsible for the overall culinary direction, menu engineering, and kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and guest satisfaction. The successful candidate will be a culinary artist with strong leadership capabilities, driving innovation and maintaining impeccable hygiene and safety standards in a demanding environment. Your expertise will be crucial in elevating the dining experience for a diverse range of prestigious events.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and manage the banqueting kitchen brigade, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Design, develop, and cost innovative and seasonal menus for various banqueting events, including weddings, conferences, and corporate functions.
• Ensure the consistent production of high-quality dishes, adhering to established recipes and presentation standards.
• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including inventory management, food purchasing, and cost control.
• Maintain strict adherence to health, safety, and sanitation regulations, ensuring a safe working environment for all staff.
• Collaborate with the catering sales and management teams to create bespoke culinary experiences for clients.
• Conduct regular taste panels and quality control checks to guarantee excellence.
• Manage kitchen budgets effectively, optimizing resource allocation and minimizing waste.
• Train and develop junior chefs and kitchen staff, promoting skill enhancement and career progression.
• Innovate and introduce new culinary techniques and trends to keep the offering fresh and exciting.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in a high-volume banqueting or catering kitchen, with at least 3 years in a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef role.
• Demonstrated expertise in diverse culinary styles and techniques, with a strong emphasis on fine dining and banqueting.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a kitchen team effectively.
• Excellent understanding of food costing, inventory management, and budget control.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and sanitation standards.
• Creative flair and passion for developing innovative and appealing menus.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• A formal culinary qualification from a recognized institution is highly preferred.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as required for events in **Tembisa, Gauteng**.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary and benefits package, including performance incentives, medical aid, and opportunities for professional growth. You will be part of a prestigious culinary team, working in state-of-the-art facilities and handling exclusive events. Our client is committed to fostering a supportive and creative work environment, offering continuous learning and development opportunities for its culinary professionals in **Tembisa**. This is a prime opportunity for a chef looking to make a significant mark on the Gauteng culinary landscape.