Head Chef - Boutique Catering Firm

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Medical aid

Annual leave

Professional recognition

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks an innovative Head Chef to lead the kitchen, drive menu development, and ensure superb food quality across a wide range of events in KwaZulu-Natal.

The role requires a strong culinary vision, 8+ years in professional kitchens with at least 3 years in a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef position, and proven leadership in high-volume settings. Relocation to Durban is preferred.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in professional kitchens with 3+ years in Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Creative culinary expertise across diverse cuisines.
• Proven leadership in managing kitchen teams.
• Strong food cost management and inventory control.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking in fast-paced environments.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Formal culinary qualification preferred but not essential with extensive experience.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations, menu planning, and presentation for events.
• Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen brigade.
• Manage inventory, costs, and procurement of ingredients.
• Ensure food safety and sanitation to regulations.
• Collaborate with the events team to design bespoke menus and ensure event success.
• Research and implement new culinary techniques and trends.
• Ensure consistent quality and taste across all dishes.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Cost control

Team development

Food safety

Organisational skills

Multitasking

Culinary creativity

Education

Culinary qualification (preferred)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly regarded boutique catering firm located in the vibrant city of **Durban**, is searching for an innovative and experienced Head Chef. This position is crucial for maintaining and elevating the culinary excellence that defines our client's brand. The Head Chef will be responsible for leading the kitchen team, driving menu innovation, ensuring impeccable food quality, and managing all culinary operations for a wide array of events, from exclusive private parties to sophisticated corporate functions throughout **KwaZulu-Natal**. If you are a culinary visionary with a passion for delivering extraordinary gastronomic experiences and possess strong leadership qualities, this is an unparalleled opportunity to lead and inspire in a demanding yet gratifying environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations, including menu planning, recipe development, food preparation, and presentation for all catered events.
• Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of excellence, creativity, and teamwork.
• Manage kitchen inventory, control food costs, and ensure efficient procurement of high-quality ingredients.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and sanitation, adhering to all local and national regulations.
• Collaborate closely with the events team and clients to design bespoke menus and ensure successful event execution.
• Continuously research and implement new culinary techniques and trends to keep the menu fresh and exciting.
• Ensure consistent quality and taste across all dishes served.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in professional kitchens, with at least 3 years in a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef role, preferably in catering or a high-volume restaurant.
• Demonstrated culinary expertise with a creative flair, preferably with experience in diverse cuisines.
• Proven leadership abilities with experience managing and developing kitchen teams.
• Solid understanding of food cost management, inventory control, and budget adherence.
• Exceptional organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety, and sanitation regulations within the food industry.
• A formal culinary qualification is preferred but not essential if extensive experience can be demonstrated.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to **Durban**, **KwaZulu-Natal**.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package that reflects the seniority and demands of this role, alongside performance-based incentives.
• Employees are provided with comprehensive medical aid coverage and a generous annual leave allowance.
• You will have the opportunity to work in a creative and stimulating environment, contribute to the success of a renowned Durban-based catering company, and gain significant professional recognition in the KwaZulu-Natal culinary scene.
• This is your chance to lead a kitchen and leave your mark.