Head Catering Chef

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Kitchen facilities

Career development

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Head Catering Chef in Johannesburg to lead culinary operations for diverse events. You will oversee menu development, food preparation, and kitchen management while maintaining high standards of quality and hygiene.

This role also involves mentoring a skilled culinary team and collaborating with the events team from concept to delivery. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in head/sous chef roles within catering or hospitality, strong kitchen management, and excellent

Qualifications

• Experience in menu planning and cost control
• Strong leadership and kitchen management abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative menus tailored to client needs and seasonal availability.
• Manage all kitchen operations including inventory, procurement, and budget adherence.
• Lead, train and motivate the kitchen team to ensure high-quality production.
• Oversee food preparation and presentation for all catered events with consistency.
• Enforce strict food safety and sanitation standards per regulatory requirements.

Skills

Menu planning

Cost control

Kitchen management

Leadership

Communication

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and creative Head Catering Chef to lead their culinary operations in Johannesburg. This pivotal role involves overseeing all aspects of food preparation, menu development, and kitchen management for a diverse range of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions. You will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency, and hygiene, while inspiring and mentoring a dedicated team of culinary professionals. This is a fantastic opportunity for a seasoned chef to make a significant impact on our client's reputation for exceptional catering experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and appealing menus tailored to client specifications, dietary needs, and seasonal availability.
• Manage all kitchen operations, including inventory control, procurement of ingredients, and budget adherence.
• Lead, train, and motivate the kitchen team to ensure efficient workflow and high-quality food production.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation for all catered events, ensuring consistency and excellence.
• Implement and enforce strict food safety and sanitation standards in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to ensure seamless execution from menu conception to final delivery.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in a Head Chef or Sous Chef role within the catering or hospitality industry.
• Proven expertise in menu planning, cost control, and kitchen management.
• Strong knowledge of various international cuisines and culinary techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Relevant culinary qualifications or certifications are highly regarded.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Opportunity to shape the culinary direction of a reputable catering business.
• Access to high-quality kitchen facilities and equipment.
• A dynamic and collaborative working environment.
• Potential for professional development and growth within the organization.