Head Caterer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 750,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and provident fund

Staff meals provided

Professional growth

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Head Caterer for its Paarl, Western Cape operations. You will shape the culinary direction, lead the kitchen team, and ensure exceptional event catering for weddings and corporate functions.

The role demands a culinary degree and 7+ years in professional kitchens, with strong leadership, menu design, food safety, and cost control expertise. Flexibility for evenings and weekends is required to meet events.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree with 7+ years in professional kitchens.
• Experience as Head Chef or in a senior leadership role.
• Strong menu design and food costing skills.
• Expertise in HACCP and food safety regulations.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a kitchen team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible hours including evenings and weekends for events.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen brigade for events.
• Develop innovative and appealing menus for diverse dietary needs.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation for events.
• Maintain stringent standards of food safety, hygiene, and sanitation.
• Manage food costs, inventory control, and procurement of ingredients.
• Collaborate with the events team to ensure seamless execution of catering services.
• Conduct regular quality checks and taste panels for menu items.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Ensure efficient resource allocation and waste minimization within the kitchen.
• Represent the company’s culinary excellence in Paarl and surrounding areas.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Menu design

Food safety (HACCP)

Food costing

Inventory management

Staff training

Client-facing communication

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished catering company serving the scenic region of **Paarl, Western Cape**, is seeking an experienced and visionary Head Caterer. This role is instrumental in shaping the culinary direction and operational excellence of the company. The Head Caterer will be responsible for menu creation, leading the kitchen team, ensuring food quality and safety, and managing catering operations for a diverse range of events, from intimate weddings to large corporate functions. The ideal candidate is a creative culinary artist with strong leadership abilities, exceptional organizational skills, and a passion for delivering outstanding gastronomic experiences. This is a fantastic opportunity to take ownership of culinary operations in a beloved **Paarl, Western Cape** establishment, driving innovation and client satisfaction. We aim to set new standards in event catering and require a leader who can deliver on this vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen brigade, ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality food production.
• Develop innovative and appealing menus, catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation for events.
• Maintain stringent standards of food safety, hygiene, and sanitation.
• Manage food costs, inventory control, and procurement of ingredients and supplies.
• Collaborate with the events team to ensure seamless execution of catering services.
• Conduct regular quality checks and taste panels for menu items.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Ensure efficient resource allocation and waste minimization within the kitchen.
• Represent the company’s culinary excellence in **Paarl, Western Cape** and surrounding areas.

Requirements

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification, with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in professional kitchens.
• Proven experience in a Head Chef or similar leadership role within the catering industry.
• Exceptional culinary skills and a creative approach to menu design.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, and financial controls.
• Excellent knowledge of HACCP and food safety regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a kitchen team.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to the demands of a busy catering environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be available to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed for events in **Paarl, Western Cape**.
• A passion for delivering high-quality food and exceptional client experiences.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and potential for performance-based incentives.
• Opportunities for creative culinary expression and professional growth.
• Contributory medical aid and provident fund.
• Work within a highly respected catering business in **Paarl, Western Cape**.
• Staff meals provided during shifts.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Chance to make a significant impact on culinary standards.