Head Chef - Boutique Catering

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

State-of-the-art kitchen

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg is seeking a visionary Head Chef to lead their dynamic catering division, overseeing menu development, execution, kitchen management and team leadership.

You will craft exceptional dining experiences for a diverse clientele, ensure top quality, creativity and consistency, maintain strict food safety standards, and collaborate with events teams to deliver seamless on-site catering experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in a senior culinary role.
• Ability to design diverse menus and cater to dietary requirements.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation best practices.
• Culinary degree or equivalent certification desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design innovative and seasonal menus that align with client requirements and culinary trends.
• Manage all aspects of the kitchen, including food preparation, cooking, and plating for events of varying scales.
• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards, maintaining compliance with all regulations.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and negotiate with suppliers to secure high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
• Collaborate with the events team to ensure seamless execution of catering services, providing culinary expertise and on-site support as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food safety HACCP

Team mentoring

Communication skills

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent certification

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a visionary and experienced Head Chef to lead their dynamic catering division based in Johannesburg. This pivotal role involves overseeing all culinary operations, from menu development and execution to kitchen management and team leadership. You will be instrumental in crafting exceptional dining experiences for a diverse clientele, ensuring the highest standards of quality, creativity, and consistency. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate culinary professional to make a significant impact on a growing brand, shaping its gastronomic identity and delighting customers with innovative cuisine.

Key Responsibilities

• Design innovative and seasonal menus that align with client requirements and culinary trends.
• Manage all aspects of the kitchen, including food preparation, cooking, and plating for events of varying scales.
• Supervise, train, and mentor a team of chefs, cooks, and kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards, maintaining compliance with all regulations.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and negotiate with suppliers to secure high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.
• Collaborate with the events team to ensure seamless execution of catering services, providing culinary expertise and on-site support as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in a senior culinary role, preferably within the catering or hospitality industry.
• Proven ability to create diverse menus, cater to dietary restrictions, and manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and manage a kitchen team effectively.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety , HACCP principles, and sanitation best practices.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional certification is highly desirable.
• Passion for food, commitment to excellence, and a creative flair for presentation.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to lead culinary innovation for a reputable catering company in Johannesburg .
• Access to high-quality ingredients and state-of-the‑art kitchen facilities.
• Professional development opportunities and pathways for career advancement.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment that values creativity and excellence.