Head Chef - Catering Operations

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses based on performance

Career development

State-of-the-art kitchen facilities

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg is seeking a dynamic Head Chef to oversee catering operations, lead a culinary team, and develop innovative menus for a range of events. You will ensure top quality, manage inventory and costs, uphold HACCP standards, and collaborate with the events team to deliver flawless service.

The role demands strong leadership, hands-on kitchen oversight, and the ability to drive culinary excellence in a fast-paced environment, with growth opportunities within a growing

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in high-volume catering or hospitality.
• Formal culinary qualifications and broad knowledge of international cuisines.
• Strong leadership and ability to motivate kitchen staff.
• Proficiency in menu costing, inventory management, and budget control.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP principles.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute creative, seasonal menus for diverse catering events.
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of kitchen staff.
• Manage all aspects of kitchen operations: inventory, ordering, prep, and waste reduction.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and hygiene regulations.
• Collaborate with events team to ensure seamless menu planning to service delivery.
• Control food costs and manage kitchen budgets.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Menu costing

Inventory management

Food safety HACCP

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head Chef to oversee catering operations in Johannesburg . This pivotal role involves leading a culinary team, developing innovative menus, and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and presentation for a diverse range of events. You will be instrumental in driving culinary excellence, managing inventory, and maintaining strict hygiene and safety protocols within a bustling catering environment. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate chef to make a significant impact on the company's gastronomic reputation and client satisfaction across various prestigious events.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute creative, seasonal menus for diverse catering events, considering client preferences and dietary restrictions.
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Manage all aspects of kitchen operations, including inventory control, ordering, food preparation, and waste reduction.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations, maintaining impeccable standards in the kitchen and food handling.
• Collaborate with the events team to ensure seamless execution from menu planning to final service delivery, maintaining consistent quality.
• Control food costs and manage kitchen budgets effectively without compromising on quality.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume catering or hospitality setting.
• Formal culinary qualifications and a strong understanding of various cooking techniques and international cuisines.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire kitchen staff.
• Proficiency in menu costing, inventory management, and budget control.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and HACCP principles.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to shape the culinary direction of a growing catering business.
• Access to high-quality ingredients and state-of-the-art kitchen facilities.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment with a dedicated team.