Head Catering Chef - Richards Bay

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Head Catering Chef to lead culinary operations in Richards Bay. This senior role focuses on menu conception, team leadership, food quality and safety, and delivering outstanding dining experiences for diverse clients.

You will drive culinary excellence, manage costs, mentor staff, maintain hygiene standards, and collaborate with events teams to ensure flawless execution while advancing the brand's gastronomic reputation.

Qualifications

• 8+ years culinary experience with 4+ years in Head/Executive Chef role in catering or hospitality.
• Expertise in menu engineering, culinary innovation and presentation.
• Strong knowledge of food cost management and inventory control systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication and team-building abilities.
• Proficiency in maintaining high kitchen hygiene and safety standards.
• Relevant culinary qualifications and certifications.

Responsibilities

• Develop creative, high-quality menus tailored to client needs and trends.
• Lead, train and mentor the kitchen team to foster excellence and collaboration.
• Manage kitchen operations including preparation, cooking and plating standards.
• Enforce strict food safety and hygiene protocols.
• Control food costs, manage inventory and optimize suppliers.
• Collaborate with sales and events teams for seamless events and client satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Menu engineering

Food cost management

Inventory control

Quality assurance

Team building

Food safety & hygiene

Education

Culinary qualifications/certifications

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and innovative Head Catering Chef to lead culinary operations in Richards Bay . This senior position involves conceptualizing menus, managing kitchen staff, ensuring food quality and safety, and overseeing all culinary aspects of catering events. You will be responsible for driving culinary excellence, managing costs effectively, and creating unforgettable dining experiences for a diverse clientele. The ideal candidate is a passionate culinary professional with strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of the catering industry, committed to elevating the brand's gastronomic reputation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop creative, high-quality menus tailored to client requirements and current culinary trends.
• Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Manage all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation standards.
• Implement and enforce strict food safety and hygiene protocols .
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and optimize supplier relationships.
• Collaborate with the sales and events team to ensure seamless event execution and client satisfaction.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 4 years in a Head Chef or Executive Chef role in catering or hospitality.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu engineering, culinary innovation, and presentation.
• Strong knowledge of food cost management and inventory control systems.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building abilities.
• Proficiency in maintaining high standards of kitchen hygiene and safety .
• Relevant culinary qualifications and certifications are essential.

Benefits

• Attractive annual salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Retirement savings plan and other employee perks.
• Opportunity to lead culinary innovation in Richards Bay .
• A supportive environment that encourages professional growth and creativity.