Head Chef - Catering Operations

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary with bonuses

Health and retirement benefits

Generous leave and development

Job summary

Placements24 in Rustenburg is seeking an innovative Head Chef to lead our catering operations, delivering high-volume and fine-dining experiences. You will own menu development, kitchen management, and food quality while driving cost controls.

You will inspire a culinary team, ensure health and safety standards, collaborate with events and management teams, and shape a dynamic kitchen culture. A culinary degree or equivalent and proven leadership in fast-paced environments are required.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in high-volume catering or fine dining.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Proven ability in menu engineering, cost control, and kitchen management.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Deep knowledge of culinary techniques, flavor profiles, and current trends.
• Strong understanding of health and safety regulations in a food service setting.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement creative menus that cater to client needs and dietary restrictions.
• Manage all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation.
• Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.
• Control food costs through inventory management, waste reduction, and supplier negotiations.
• Ensure highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and sanitation are maintained.
• Collaborate with events and management teams to ensure flawless execution of catering services.

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and skilled Head Chef to lead their catering operations in Rustenburg . This senior position involves taking full responsibility for menu development, kitchen management, food quality, and cost control. You will inspire and lead the culinary team to deliver exceptional dining experiences for a wide range of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions. The successful candidate will be a creative culinary artist with strong leadership capabilities and a deep understanding of gastronomic trends, ensuring our client remains at the forefront of the catering industry in the North West province.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement creative and diverse menus that cater to various client needs and dietary restrictions.
• Manage all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation.
• Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.
• Control food costs through effective inventory management, waste reduction, and supplier negotiations.
• Ensure the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and sanitation are maintained at all times.
• Collaborate with the events and management teams to ensure flawless execution of all catering services.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef, preferably within a high-volume catering or fine dining environment.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Proven ability in menu engineering, cost control, and kitchen management.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Deep knowledge of culinary techniques, flavor profiles, and current food trends.
• Strong understanding of health and safety regulations in a food service setting.

Benefits

• Competitive executive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to shape and lead a dynamic culinary team.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave and professional development opportunities.
• Access to state-of-the-art kitchen facilities in Rustenburg .