Head Caterer (Hybrid)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Professional development and training

Career growth opportunities

Passionate team to work with

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Head Caterer in Gauteng to lead culinary and service teams, plan menus, and ensure flawless event execution. The role blends on-site supervision with remote planning and administrative duties, demanding strong leadership and a strategic operations mindset.

You will manage staff, inventory, vendor relations, and budgets, driving creativity, efficiency, and exceptional service for events from intimate gatherings to large corporate functions.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in catering management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Proven experience in menu development, food costing, and inventory management.
• Strong culinary knowledge and a passion for food presentation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in standard office software and catering management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and deliver high-quality service under pressure.
• Understanding of health, safety, and hygiene standards in a food service environment.
• Flexibility to work a hybrid schedule, including evenings and weekends as required by events.
• A relevant qualification in Hospitality Management or Culinary Arts is advantageous.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and reside within or near Centurion, Gauteng, ZA.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all catering operations, including menu planning, food preparation, event execution, and post-event analysis.
• Lead, train, and motivate catering staff, ensuring high performance and adherence to service standards.
• Develop creative and cost-effective menus, catering to diverse client needs and dietary requirements.
• Manage food and beverage inventory, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing waste.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations (HACCP).
• Liaise directly with clients to understand their event requirements and provide expert recommendations.
• Coordinate with suppliers to procure high-quality ingredients and manage vendor relationships.
• Manage budgets and control costs effectively to ensure profitability.
• Conduct site inspections and supervise on-site event execution, ensuring seamless service delivery.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and growth of the catering division.
• Handle administrative tasks and reporting, utilizing office-based and remote capabilities.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Staff management

Communication

Food presentation

HACCP knowledge

Flexibility

Education

Hospitality Management or Culinary Arts qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier catering service provider in the Gauteng region, is looking for an experienced and dynamic Head Caterer to lead their culinary and service teams. This role offers a hybrid work model, blending on-site supervision with remote planning and administrative duties, providing a dynamic work environment. You will be responsible for the overall planning, execution, and quality control of all catering events, ensuring they meet our client's high standards of excellence. This includes menu creation, staff management, inventory control, and client liaison. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of culinary arts, and proven experience in managing catering operations. This position requires a strategic approach to operations, fostering a culture of creativity, efficiency, and exceptional customer service. You will play a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing our client's reputation for delivering unforgettable event experiences, from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of catering operations, including menu planning, food preparation, event execution, and post-event analysis.
• Lead, train, and motivate catering staff, ensuring high performance and adherence to service standards.
• Develop creative and cost-effective menus, catering to diverse client needs and dietary requirements.
• Manage food and beverage inventory, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing waste.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations (HACCP).
• Liaise directly with clients to understand their event requirements and provide expert recommendations.
• Coordinate with suppliers to procure high-quality ingredients and manage vendor relationships.
• Manage budgets and control costs effectively to ensure profitability.
• Conduct site inspections and supervise on-site event execution, ensuring seamless service delivery.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and growth of the catering division.
• Handle administrative tasks and reporting, utilizing office-based and remote capabilities.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of experience in catering management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Proven experience in menu development, food costing, and inventory management.
• Strong culinary knowledge and a passion for food presentation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in standard office software and catering management systems.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and deliver high-quality service under pressure.
• Understanding of health, safety, and hygiene standards in a food service environment.
• Flexibility to work a hybrid schedule, including evenings and weekends as required by events.
• A relevant qualification in Hospitality Management or Culinary Arts is advantageous.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and reside within or near Centurion, Gauteng, ZA.

Benefits

• An annual salary of R .
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility between remote and on-site responsibilities.
• Opportunity to lead and innovate within a reputable catering company.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Work with a passionate and dedicated team focused on delivering exceptional experiences.
• Potential for career growth within the organization.