Head Chef - Catering Services

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Health insurance

Paid time off

Creative kitchen environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a creative and experienced Head Chef to lead its catering division in Tembisa. You will conceptualize, prepare, and deliver culinary experiences for diverse events, setting the gastronomic direction, and mentoring a team of professionals.

In this fast-paced, client-focused environment, you will manage kitchen operations, ensure food quality and safety, control costs, and collaborate with the Catering Manager on custom menus to meet client needs while elevating the

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years progressive culinary experience, incl. 3+ years as Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef.
• Proven expertise in diverse culinary styles and presentation.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP and health codes.
• Excellent leadership, team management and communication.
• Ability to manage kitchen budgets and food costs.
• Creative flair for events in Tembisa.

Responsibilities

• Lead menu creation, food prep and presentation for catering events.
• Manage kitchen operations including inventory, stock, ordering and supplier relations.
• Ensure adherence to food safety, sanitation and hygiene standards with audits.
• Collaborate with Catering Manager on event planning and custom menus.
• Develop kitchen procedures to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Kitchen management

Food safety HACCP

Budgeting & cost control

Team supervision

Job description

About the Role

Our client seeks a creative and experienced Head Chef to lead their catering division in Tembisa . This pivotal role involves conceptualizing, preparing, and delivering exceptional culinary experiences for a wide array of events. You will be instrumental in setting the gastronomic direction, managing kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, and mentoring a team of culinary professionals. This is a fantastic opportunity for a chef who is passionate about innovative cuisine and thrives in a fast-paced, client-focused environment, contributing significantly to the company's culinary reputation in the Tembisa area.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary team in menu creation, food preparation, and presentation for all catering events, ensuring consistent quality and creativity.
• Manage kitchen operations, including inventory control, stock management, ordering, and supplier relations to optimize costs and maintain quality.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards , conducting regular audits and training.
• Collaborate with the Catering Manager on event planning, client consultations, and custom menu development to meet diverse client needs.
• Develop and implement kitchen operational procedures to enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve overall productivity.
• Train, supervise, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and skilled culinary team.

Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 3 years in a Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef role, preferably within catering.
• Demonstrated expertise in diverse culinary styles and presentation techniques.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP, local health codes) and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication abilities.
• Proven ability to manage kitchen budgets, control food costs, and maintain profitability.
• A creative flair and a commitment to delivering outstanding culinary results for events in Tembisa .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Generous allowance for professional culinary development and training.
• Comprehensive health insurance package.
• Paid time off and holiday leave.
• A creative and dynamic kitchen environment with opportunities for culinary innovation.