Head Chef Contract Catering

Easy Gourmet; East London; On-site; ZAR 30 000 - 60 000; Full time

Job summary

An established catering business is seeking a passionate Head Chef to lead their kitchen team. This role involves creating innovative menus, managing food preparation, and ensuring high-quality service for various events. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional culinary skills, strong leadership abilities, and a commitment to food safety. Join this dynamic team and take your culinary career to the next level in a supportive and creative environment. If you love food and thrive under pressure, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Staff food provided

Monday to Friday working hours

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in catering or events.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to manage a kitchen team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Plan and create menus based on client preferences and seasonal ingredients.
• Oversee food preparation and service to ensure high quality and consistency.
• Manage kitchen staff, including recruitment and training.

Skills

Leadership

Menu Planning

Food Safety Regulations

Culinary Skills

Team Management

Organizational Skills

Education

Culinary Arts Degree

Job description

About Us: We are a well-established catering business with 27 years of experience delivering exceptional culinary experiences in Central London. Known for our high standards and personalised service, we cater for corporate events, private parties, weddings, and more.

Role Overview: We are seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for food, a creative approach to menu planning, and excellent organisational skills. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of kitchen operations, maintaining high-quality food production, and ensuring the smooth delivery of catering services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and create menus in line with client preferences, dietary requirements, and seasonal ingredients.

• Oversee food preparation, presentation, and service to ensure consistency and high quality.

• Manage kitchen staff, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.

• Monitor inventory levels, order supplies, and manage food costs effectively.

• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and food hygiene standards.

• Collaborate with the events and sales team to deliver tailored culinary experiences.

• Manage kitchen budgets and ensure profitability.

• Occasionally assist with off-site catering events, including setup and breakdown.

• Drive company vehicles to transport food and equipment to event locations when required.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a catering, hotels or events environment.

• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Exceptional culinary and presentation skills with a focus on quality and innovation.

• Knowledge of food safety regulations and kitchen best practices.

• Ability to work well under pressure and handle multiple events simultaneously.

• A valid UK driving license is essential.

• Flexibility to work occasional weekends and evenings as required.

Benefits:

• Staff food provided while on shift.

• Monday to Friday working hours with occasional weekend shifts.

How to Apply: If you are passionate about food and ready to take the next step in your culinary career, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you are the perfect fit for this role.