Head Chef - Banqueting & Events

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus potential

Health insurance

Pension fund

Events exposure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the banqueting and events division in Durban, overseeing culinary production for large-scale events. You will manage a dedicated kitchen team, drive menu creation, and uphold stringent standards for food preparation, hygiene, and presentation.

This role demands leadership, cost control, and a passion for culinary excellence, with the opportunity to showcase talents on major Durban events and related venues.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as Head Chef or Sous Chef in large-scale banqueting or event catering.
• Proven ability in menu development, cost control, and kitchen management.
• Strong leadership skills with the capacity to inspire and manage a diverse kitchen team.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, HACCP, and health regulations.
• Passion for culinary excellence and creative food presentation.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a high-volume Durban operation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen brigade for all banqueting and event functions, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
• Design and execute innovative menus tailored to diverse event types, client preferences, and seasonal availability.
• Maintain uncompromising standards of food quality, taste, and presentation for all dishes served.
• Implement and enforce strict hygiene, health, and safety protocols within the kitchen environment.
• Manage food costs, inventory, and supplier relationships to optimize profitability and resource utilization.
• Train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Cost control

Kitchen management

HACCP

Food safety

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef to lead their banqueting and events division in Durban . This is a critical role responsible for all aspects of the culinary production for large-scale events, ensuring exceptional quality, creativity, and efficiency. You will manage a dedicated team of chefs and kitchen staff, oversee menu creation, and maintain stringent standards for food preparation, presentation, and hygiene. This position offers the exciting challenge of working in a fast-paced environment and contributing to high-profile events across Durban and surrounding areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen brigade for all banqueting and event functions, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
• Design and execute innovative menus tailored to diverse event types, client preferences, and seasonal availability.
• Maintain uncompromising standards of food quality, taste, and presentation for all dishes served.
• Implement and enforce strict hygiene, health, and safety protocols within the kitchen environment.
• Manage food costs, inventory, and supplier relationships to optimize profitability and resource utilization.
• Train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.

Requirements

• Significant experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in a large-scale banqueting or event catering setting.
• Proven ability in menu development, cost control, and kitchen management.
• Strong leadership skills with the capacity to inspire and manage a diverse kitchen team.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, HACCP, and health regulations.
• Passion for culinary excellence and creative food presentation.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet demanding deadlines in a high-volume operation in Durban .

Benefits

• Attractive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Opportunity to showcase culinary talent on a grand scale for major events.
• Work with a professional and dedicated team in the vibrant city of Durban .
• Comprehensive health insurance benefits.
• Pension fund contribution.