Head Chef - Boutique Catering

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

State-of-the-art kitchen facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking an innovative Head Chef to lead their boutique catering division, creating exceptional culinary experiences, developing menus, and managing kitchen operations with precision and flair.

You will lead a team of culinary professionals, ensuring top standards of food preparation, presentation, and hygiene while collaborating with event planning and using premium local ingredients across the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute high-quality menus for diverse events.
• Oversee all kitchen operations including prep, cooking, plating, and inventory control.
• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff to foster culinary artistry.
• Maintain strict food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards (HACCP).
• Collaborate with event planning to align menus with client concepts and expectations.
• Monitor food costs and supplier relationships to optimise profitability.

Skills

Menu development

Leadership

Food safety

Culinary techniques

Staff training

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and highly skilled Head Chef to lead their boutique catering division in Cape Town . This role is responsible for creating exceptional culinary experiences, developing innovative menus, and managing the kitchen operations with precision and flair. You will lead a team of culinary professionals, ensuring the highest standards of food preparation, presentation, and hygiene. This is a unique opportunity for a creative chef to shape the gastronomic identity of a growing catering business, working with premium ingredients and delivering unforgettable dining events across the Western Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute creative and high-quality menus tailored to diverse client needs and event themes.
• Manage all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and inventory control, ensuring consistency and excellence.
• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment focused on culinary artistry.
• Maintain rigorous standards of food safety, sanitation, and hygiene in compliance with all relevant South African regulations .
• Collaborate with the event planning team to ensure culinary offerings align perfectly with event concepts and client expectations.
• Monitor food costs, manage supplier relationships, and implement effective inventory management strategies to optimize profitability.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef, preferably within the catering or fine dining industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu development, culinary techniques, and food presentation.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with a passion for developing talent.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety protocols, HACCP, and health regulations.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple culinary projects simultaneously.
• Creative flair and a passion for using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Performance incentives and potential for profit sharing.
• Access to state-of-the- art kitchen facilities and premium ingredients.
• Opportunities for professional growth and culinary innovation.
• A stimulating work environment within the vibrant culinary scene of Cape Town .