Head Caterer

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary with performance bonuses

Leadership role in growing operation

Training & development programs

Collaborative team environment

Medical aid & retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24's client in Tembisa is seeking a Head Caterer to lead the catering division, owning service delivery, menu design, and client satisfaction across events.

You will manage operations, mentor a culinary and service team, balance budgets, and liaise with clients to ensure flawless executions, while driving innovation and growth in the hospitality business.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a senior catering role with leadership track record.
• Expertise in menu planning, food preparation techniques, and presentation for events.
• Proficiency in budgeting, cost control, and resource optimization.
• Strong customer service and client relationship management skills.
• Certification in Food Safety and Hygiene.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all daily catering operations, ensuring top quality, presentation and service.
• Develop creative menus considering trends, seasonality and client requirements.
• Manage budgets, control costs and optimize resources for procurement and inventory.
• Supervise and schedule catering staff, promoting safety and efficiency.
• Liaise with clients to understand needs and execute their event vision.

Skills

Senior catering leadership

Menu planning

Budgeting and cost control

Client relationship management

Food safety awareness

Education

Food Safety and Hygiene Certification

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks an accomplished Head Caterer to lead their dynamic catering division based in Tembisa. This role involves taking full ownership of the catering service delivery, ensuring outstanding quality and client satisfaction across all events. You will be instrumental in driving innovation in menu design, optimizing operational efficiency, and mentoring a dedicated team of culinary and service professionals. This is a critical leadership position for an individual passionate about gastronomy and delivering exceptional hospitality experiences, contributing significantly to the company's reputation and growth in the events sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all daily catering operations, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and service.
• Develop creative and appealing menus, considering current culinary trends, seasonal availability, and client-specific requirements, including dietary restrictions.
• Manage budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation for all catering activities, including procurement and inventory management.
• Supervise, train, and schedule catering staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment that prioritizes safety and efficiency.
• Liaise directly with clients to understand their needs, provide expert advice, and ensure their event vision is flawlessly executed.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in a senior catering role, demonstrating a strong track record of successful event execution and team leadership.
• Expertise in menu planning, food preparation techniques, and presentation for a variety of event types and sizes.
• Proficiency in financial management, including budgeting, cost control, and resource optimization.
• Exceptional customer service and client relationship management skills.
• Certification in Food Safety and Hygiene, with a thorough understanding of health regulations.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to lead and shape a growing catering operation.
• Access to ongoing training and professional development programs.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.