Head Caterer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals

Uniform provided

Professional development and advanced烹

Job summary

Placements24 in East London, South Africa, seeks an experienced Head Caterer to lead culinary and service teams across large-scale events. This role demands exceptional culinary artistry, strong operations management, and a passion for delivering outstanding catering experiences throughout the Eastern Cape.

You will drive menu innovation, kitchen management, quality control, and event execution while fostering a culture of excellence among staff.

Qualifications

• 7+ years progressive culinary experience; 3-5 years in leadership roles.
• Expertise in menu planning, food preparation, and presentation for large-scale catering.
• Strong kitchen management: inventory, costing, budgeting.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation; HACCP knowledge is a plus.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Flexible hours including evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• Passion for culinary excellence and client satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations: menu development, prep and quality control.
• Lead the kitchen team with training and performance feedback.
• Maintain highest standards of food safety, hygiene and sanitation.
• Develop innovative menus aligned with client needs and trends.
• Manage inventory, procurement and food costing to optimize profitability.
• Coordinate with event planning for seamless catering execution.
• Supervise service staff during events to ensure client satisfaction.
• Monitor departmental budget and control expenses; manage supplier relationships.
• Drive continuous improvement in culinary techniques and processes.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Food safety

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading event services provider in the Eastern Cape, based in East London , is seeking a highly experienced and visionary Head Caterer to lead their culinary and service teams. This pivotal role demands a leader with exceptional culinary expertise, strong operational management skills, and a passion for delivering outstanding catering experiences. The Head Caterer will be responsible for menu innovation, kitchen management, quality control, event execution oversight, and fostering a culture of excellence among staff. This is a prime opportunity to shape the culinary direction of a respected catering company and make a significant impact on events throughout the East London area. We are looking for a dedicated professional committed to culinary artistry and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations, including menu development, food preparation, and quality control.
• Manage the kitchen team, providing leadership, training, and performance feedback.
• Ensure the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and sanitation are maintained.
• Develop innovative and appealing menus that align with client needs and current culinary trends.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and food costing to optimize profitability and minimize waste.
• Coordinate with the event planning and management teams to ensure seamless execution of catering services.
• Supervise service staff during events to guarantee exceptional client satisfaction.
• Control departmental budget and monitor expenses effectively.Maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Drive continuous improvement in culinary techniques and operational processes.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in culinary arts, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role such as Head Chef, Executive Chef, or Head Caterer.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu planning, food preparation, and presentation for large-scale catering.
• Strong understanding of kitchen management, including inventory, costing, and budgeting.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations (HACCP experience is a plus).
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification is essential.
• Flexibility to work varied hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• A passion for culinary excellence and client satisfaction.

Benefits

• Competitive senior-level salary package.
• Opportunity to lead culinary innovation for a prominent catering company in East London .
• Access to professional development and advanced culinary training.
• A stimulating and rewarding work environment.
• Significant impact on the company's reputation and success.
• Provision of staff meals and uniform.