Head Catering Chef

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration package

Lead a creative culinary team

Growth opportunities

Scenic Western Cape location

Work on high-profile events

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a renowned hospitality group in George, Western Cape, to recruit a Head Catering Chef. You will lead the culinary team, conceptualize menus for corporate and private events, and ensure top-tier food quality and hygiene across all services.

You will oversee menu design, cost control, and staff development, while collaborating with events and service teams. Flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays is expected.

Qualifications

• 5+ years as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in high-volume catering or fine dining
• Professional culinary qualifications from a recognized institution
• Expertise in menu development, food costing, and kitchen management
• Knowledge of international cuisines and contemporary culinary trends
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities
• Solid understanding of food safety and hygiene practices (HACCP a plus)
• Proficiency in inventory management and cost control techniques
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple events in George, Western Cape

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the entire catering kitchen team, including sous chefs, line cooks, and kitchen assistants
• Design innovative menus for events (buffets, plated dinners, receptions, themed parties)
• Oversee all food prep, cooking and presentation for consistency and quality
• Enforce strict food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards
• Manage kitchen inventory, ordering, stock control and waste reduction
• Coordinate with Event Management for seamless kitchen-front-of-house collaboration
• Train and mentor kitchen staff; foster a positive work environment
• Conduct regular quality checks and tastings to ensure excellence
• Stay updated on culinary trends to enhance menus
• Manage kitchen budget to meet financial targets

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food costing

HACCP knowledge

Inventory management

Team-building

Education

Culinary qualifications

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned hospitality group in George, Western Cape , is seeking an exceptional Head Catering Chef to lead their culinary team for diverse events. This pivotal role involves conceptualizing, creating, and executing outstanding menus that cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs for both corporate and private functions. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and kitchen hygiene. As the Head Catering Chef, you will have a direct impact on the success of our client's catering services, driving innovation and excellence in their culinary offerings. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate and skilled chef to make their mark in the vibrant culinary scene of the Western Cape and contribute to memorable guest experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the entire catering kitchen team, including sous chefs, line cooks, and kitchen assistants.
• Design innovative and appealing menus for various events, including buffets, plated dinners, cocktail receptions, and themed parties, considering seasonal ingredients and client specifications.
• Oversee all food preparation, cooking, and presentation processes, ensuring consistency and quality across all dishes.
• Implement and enforce strict food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards in accordance with industry regulations.
• Manage kitchen inventory, including ordering supplies, controlling stock levels, and minimizing food waste to optimize costs.
• Collaborate with the Event Management team to ensure seamless coordination between the kitchen and front-of-house service.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Conduct regular quality checks and taste panels to ensure culinary excellence.
• Stay updated on current culinary trends and techniques to continuously enhance the menu offerings.
• Manage the kitchen budget effectively, ensuring financial targets are met.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume catering or fine dining environment.
• Professional culinary qualifications from a recognized institution.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu development, food costing, and kitchen management.
• In-depth knowledge of various international cuisines and contemporary culinary trends.
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Excellent understanding of food safety and hygiene practices (e.g., HACCP certification is a plus).
• Proficiency in inventory management and cost control techniques.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple events simultaneously in George, Western Cape .
• Exceptional attention to detail and a passion for culinary perfection.
• Must be adaptable to a flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

Benefits

• A competitive remuneration package.
• The chance to lead a creative culinary team.
• Opportunities for professional growth and culinary exploration.
• Work in a beautiful and scenic location in the Western Cape .
• Contribution to high-profile events and a reputable establishment.