Head Chef - Corporate Catering

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Leadership role

Benefits package

Training opportunities

Staff meals & uniform

Job summary

Placements24 in Sandton, Gauteng, is looking for a visionary Head Chef to lead our corporate catering kitchen. You will oversee all operations, mentor a talented team, and develop innovative menus for a discerning corporate client base.

Required are 7+ years of culinary experience, 3-4 years in a Head Chef role, and a formal culinary degree, with strong leadership and HACCP knowledge. Applicants must be able to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment in Sandton.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years progressive culinary experience, with 3-4 years in a Head Chef or Executive Chef role.
• Formal culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
• Extensive knowledge of cuisines, cooking methods, and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all corporate catering kitchen operations for efficiency and excellence.
• Develop creative, contemporary menus for diverse corporate needs and events.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage a high-performing kitchen team.
• Oversee inventory, procurement and cost control to optimise profitability.
• Implement HACCP and food safety standards across the kitchen.
• Collaborate with sales/events to ensure client satisfaction and seamless execution.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished corporate catering specialist based in the bustling hub of Sandton, Gauteng, is seeking an accomplished and visionary Head Chef. This senior role demands exceptional culinary leadership, a strong grasp of operational management, and the ability to consistently deliver high-quality, innovative cuisine for a discerning corporate clientele. You will be responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, managing a team of talented chefs, developing creative menus, and ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality are maintained. This is an unparalleled opportunity to lead culinary excellence in Sandton's competitive corporate catering market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the corporate catering kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency and excellence.
• Develop and execute creative, contemporary menus that cater to diverse corporate needs, dietary restrictions, and event styles.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of chefs and kitchen staff.
• Oversee inventory management, procurement of high-quality ingredients, and cost control to optimize profitability.
• Implement and enforce stringent food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols (HACCP).
• Collaborate with the sales and events team to ensure seamless execution of catering services and client satisfaction.
• Maintain kitchen equipment, ensuring optimal functionality and safety.
• Stay abreast of current culinary trends, techniques, and ingredient sourcing to drive innovation.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to kitchen staff.
• Uphold the company’s reputation as a premium corporate caterer in Sandton, Gauteng.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 3-4 years in a Head Chef or Executive Chef role, preferably in corporate catering.
• Formal culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with a proven ability to inspire and motivate.
• Extensive knowledge of various cuisines, cooking methods, and presentation techniques.
• Strong understanding of food costing, budget management, and inventory control.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards and regulations (HACCP certification required).
• Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Reside in or be able to reliably commute to Sandton.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Significant leadership role with creative autonomy in Sandton.
• Opportunity to work with a prestigious client base and high-profile events.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Professional development and ongoing training opportunities.
• Staff meals and uniform provided.