Head Chef - Catering Operations

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Executive-level benefits

Bonuses tied to performance

Professional development & awards

Health and retirement plans

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni seeks an accomplished Head Chef to lead the culinary team for catering events. You will create exceptional menus, manage kitchen operations, and uphold top standards of food quality and presentation, driving creativity and efficiency under pressure.

The role requires extensive leadership experience, strong menu development skills, and a passion for delivering outstanding culinary experiences with cost-conscious management.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in large-scale catering or hospitality.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu development, culinary techniques, and food presentation.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Proficiency in kitchen management, including inventory control, costing, and staff scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop creative, seasonal menus tailored to diverse catering events and client preferences.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and quality control.
• Manage, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and optimize purchasing to ensure profitability without compromising quality.
• Collaborate with event planners and sales teams to ensure seamless execution of all culinary aspects of events.

Skills

Menu development

Leadership

Inventory control

Costing

Staff scheduling

Team management

Food safety

Food presentation

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished and innovative Head Chef to lead their culinary team in Benoni. You will be responsible for creating exceptional menus, managing kitchen operations, and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and presentation for a wide range of catering events. This leadership role requires a passion for culinary excellence, strong team management skills, and the ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the dining experience offered to clients, driving creativity and efficiency within the kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop creative, seasonal menus tailored to diverse catering events and client preferences.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and quality control.
• Manage, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and optimize purchasing to ensure profitability without compromising quality.
• Collaborate with event planners and sales teams to ensure seamless execution of all culinary aspects of events.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef, preferably within a large-scale catering or hospitality operation.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu development, culinary techniques, and food presentation.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Proficiency in kitchen management, including inventory control, costing, and staff scheduling.
• A deep passion for food, innovation, and delivering outstanding culinary experiences.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and executive-level benefits package.
• Performance-based bonuses tied to culinary success and cost management.
• Opportunities for professional development and culinary awards.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and retirement plans.
• A leadership role with significant creative control and impact.