Head Catering Chef - Coastal Events

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals

Medical and retirement plans

Professional development opportunities

Beautiful coastal setting

Job summary

Placements24 in George is seeking a Head Catering Chef to lead our kitchen for weddings, corporate functions, and events along the Western Cape coast. You will shape menus, supervise a busy team, and ensure exceptional quality and presentation.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in culinary roles, a recognized culinary qualification, HACCP knowledge, and strong leadership. You will manage costs, inventory, and health standards while delivering memorable dining experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 3 years in a Head Chef or Sous Chef role within high-volume catering or fine dining.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification from a recognized institution.
• Exceptional culinary skills with a proven ability to create and execute sophisticated menus.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP principles, and kitchen hygiene best practices.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in inventory management, cost control, and budget adherence.
• Creative flair and a passion for delivering exceptional food experiences.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required for event schedules in George.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations, including menu planning, food preparation, and execution for catered events.
• Develop creative, seasonal, and cost-effective menus that cater to diverse client preferences and dietary requirements.
• Oversee inventory management, ordering, and stock control to ensure freshness and minimize waste.
• Ensure the highest standards of food quality, taste, presentation, and consistency across all dishes.
• Supervise, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
• Maintain strict adherence to all health, safety, and sanitation regulations within the kitchen.
• Collaborate with the catering management team to plan event logistics and ensure smooth kitchen-to-event transitions.
• Stay abreast of current culinary trends and innovations, incorporating them into menu development.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food safety (HACCP)

Budget control

Inventory management

Team mentorship

Communication

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Join our esteemed catering company in the picturesque city of George as our new Head Catering Chef. We specialize in crafting exquisite culinary experiences for a wide array of events, from elegant weddings to corporate functions along the stunning Western Cape coastline. This critical role demands a creative and technically skilled chef who can lead our kitchen operations, develop innovative menus, and ensure the highest standards of food quality and presentation. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of seasonal ingredients, culinary trends, and efficient kitchen management. This position offers the chance to shape the culinary direction of our brand and contribute to memorable events for our discerning clientele in the George area.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations, including menu planning, food preparation, and execution for catered events.
• Develop creative, seasonal, and cost-effective menus that cater to diverse client preferences and dietary requirements.
• Oversee inventory management, ordering, and stock control to ensure freshness and minimize waste.
• Ensure the highest standards of food quality, taste, presentation, and consistency across all dishes.
• Supervise, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
• Maintain strict adherence to all health, safety, and sanitation regulations within the kitchen.
• Collaborate with the catering management team to plan event logistics and ensure smooth kitchen-to-event transitions.
• Stay abreast of current culinary trends and innovations, incorporating them into menu development.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 3 years in a Head Chef or Sous Chef role within a high-volume catering or fine dining environment.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification from a recognized institution.
• Exceptional culinary skills with a proven ability to create and execute sophisticated menus.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP principles, and kitchen hygiene best practices.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in inventory management, cost control, and budget adherence.
• Creative flair and a passion for delivering exceptional food experiences.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required for event schedules in George .

Benefits

This role offers a competitive annual salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications. You will have the opportunity to work in a beautiful coastal setting and lead a talented culinary team. Benefits include comprehensive medical and retirement plans, opportunities for professional development, and a stimulating work environment that values innovation and quality. We provide a platform to showcase your culinary talents on a grand scale. Employees also benefit from staff meals and potential for participation in industry events.