Head Chef - Banqueting

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Career growth

State-of-the-art kitchen

Accommodation assistance

Vibrant city location

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a creative and experienced Head Chef specializing in banqueting to lead the culinary team for large-scale events in Durban. You will develop menus, manage the kitchen, ensure food safety, and work with the events team to deliver exceptional banquets within a respected hospitality group.

The role requires extensive leadership, menu costing, and operational excellence to maintain high standards across diverse functions.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with banqueting focus.
• Proven expertise in menu development, costing, and execution for diverse events.
• Experience managing kitchen operations, including team leadership, stock control, health & safety.

Responsibilities

• Oversee culinary operations for banqueting and large events, ensuring consistent quality and presentation.
• Develop innovative and seasonal menus that align with client requirements and current culinary trends.
• Manage kitchen staff, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene regulations, and waste management protocols.
• Control food costs through inventory management, supplier negotiation, and portion control.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to ensure seamless execution of all catered functions in Durban.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Costing

Food safety

Team management

Education

Culinary qualifications

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a creative and experienced Head Chef specializing in Banqueting to lead the culinary team for their esteemed establishment in Durban . This challenging role demands exceptional skill in menu creation, team management, and operational efficiency, ensuring the highest quality of food for large-scale events and banquets. You will be responsible for driving culinary excellence, maintaining impeccable kitchen standards, and innovating with diverse and appealing menus that cater to a wide range of palates. This is a key leadership position within a respected hospitality group, offering the chance to shape the culinary direction of significant events.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations for banqueting and large events, ensuring consistent quality and presentation.
• Develop innovative and seasonal menus that align with client requirements and current culinary trends.
• Manage kitchen staff, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene regulations, and waste management protocols.
• Control food costs through effective inventory management, supplier negotiation, and portion control.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to ensure seamless execution of all catered functions in Durban .

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef with a strong focus on banqueting and large‑scale catering.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu development, costing, and execution for diverse events.
• Proficiency in managing kitchen operations, including team leadership, stock control, and health & safety compliance.
• Exceptional culinary skills and a passion for creating high‑quality, innovative dishes.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving abilities, with the capacity to work under pressure.
• Relevant culinary qualifications and certifications are essential.

Benefits

• An attractive salary and benefits package, reflecting the seniority of the role.
• Opportunities for professional growth and creative culinary expression.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art kitchen facilities.
• Accommodation assistance may be provided.
• A challenging and rewarding career in a vibrant city location.