Head Chef - Boutique Catering

Placements24; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Leadership role

Top facilities and equipment

Training opportunities

Supportive environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our catering division in Midrand. You will oversee all culinary operations, from menu creation to kitchen management and quality control, ensuring exceptional dining experiences for a diverse client base.

You will drive innovation, maintain high standards of food hygiene and lead a dedicated kitchen team, collaborating with event planners to deliver flawless catering for various events.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in Head Chef/Executive Chef role in catering or hospitality.
• Formal culinary qualifications from a recognized institution.
• Proven expertise in menu development, costing and budget management.
• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in kitchen management software and inventory control systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop creative, seasonally driven menus aligned with client needs and trends.
• Manage all kitchen operations: food prep, cooking, plating and presentation.
• Source high‑quality ingredients, negotiate with suppliers and monitor inventory to control costs.
• Lead, train and mentor kitchen staff and foster a positive work environment.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation and HACCP regulations and collaborate with events team.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Costing

Budget management

Communication

Interpersonal skills

HACCP knowledge

Kitchen leadership

Inventory control

Education

Diploma/Degree in Culinary Arts

Tools

Kitchen management software

Inventory control systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead their esteemed catering division in Midrand . This pivotal role involves overseeing all culinary operations, from menu creation and ingredient sourcing to kitchen management and quality control, ensuring exceptional dining experiences for a diverse clientele. You will be instrumental in driving innovation, maintaining high standards of food hygiene, and leading a dedicated team of kitchen staff, contributing directly to the company's reputation for excellence in the competitive catering industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop creative and seasonally appropriate menus that align with client requirements and current culinary trends.
• Manage all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation.
• Source high-quality ingredients, negotiate with suppliers, and maintain optimal inventory levels to control costs effectively.
• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations (HACCP).
• Collaborate with the event planning team to ensure seamless execution of catering services for various events.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar Head Chef or Executive Chef role within the catering or hospitality industry.
• Formal culinary qualifications from a recognized institution.
• Proven expertise in menu development, costing, and budget management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in kitchen management software and inventory control systems.
• In-depth knowledge of diverse culinary techniques and international cuisine.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Opportunity to shape and lead a dynamic culinary team.
• Access to high-quality kitchen facilities and equipment.
• Continuous professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive work environment that values creativity and culinary excellence.