Head Chef - Catering

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

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Creative leadership role

Modern kitchen facilities

Professional development

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Head Chef to lead a catering division based in Tembisa, South Africa. You will design innovative menus, oversee kitchen operations, and ensure exceptional culinary execution for events of varying scale.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in large-scale food production and strong leadership to inspire a kitchen team toward outstanding results, shaping the culinary identity of the service.

Qualifications

• Significant leadership and senior kitchen experience in catering/banqueting.
• Proven ability to design diverse menus and manage large events.
• Strong cost control, inventory and budgeting knowledge.
• Commitment to food safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop diverse menus for catering events, considering dietary needs.
• Oversee kitchen operations, food prep, cooking, plating, and presentation.
• Lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff for high performance.
• Control food costs, manage inventory and resources for profitability.
• Ensure health, safety and sanitation standards are met.
• Collaborate with events management for seamless execution.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Menu design

Cost control

Inventory management

Culinary techniques

International cuisine

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for a highly skilled and creative Head Chef to lead their catering division based in Tembisa . This role involves designing innovative menus, managing kitchen operations, and ensuring exceptional culinary execution for a wide range of events. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for gastronomy, extensive experience in large-scale food production, and the ability to lead and inspire a kitchen team to deliver outstanding results consistently. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the culinary identity of our client's catering services.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop diverse, appealing menus for various catering events, considering dietary requirements and seasonal ingredients.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and maintaining impeccable standards of quality and presentation.
• Manage kitchen staff, providing guidance, training, and motivation to ensure efficient workflow and high performance.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and ensure efficient use of resources to maximize profitability.
• Maintain strict adherence to health, safety, and sanitation regulations within the kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with the catering management team to ensure seamless event execution and client satisfaction.

Requirements

• Significant experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef, with a strong background in catering or banqueting.
• Demonstrated expertise in diverse culinary techniques and international cuisine.
• Exceptional leadership and team management abilities.
• Proficiency in inventory management, cost control, and kitchen budgeting.
• Relevant culinary qualifications and a commitment to food safety standards are required.

Benefits

• An attractive salary package commensurate with experience.
• The opportunity to be creative and lead a talented kitchen brigade in Tembisa .
• Access to modern kitchen facilities and equipment.
• Continuous professional development opportunities.
• A dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth.