Head Chef - Corporate Catering Division

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria seeks an accomplished Head Chef to lead its corporate catering kitchen, shaping menus, overseeing large teams, and delivering excellence for high-profile clients across Gauteng.

The role emphasizes menu development, cost control, HACCP compliance, and staff mentoring, with flexible hours including evenings and weekends to support events. A senior culinary qualification is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6-8 years in a senior culinary role with at least 3 years as Head Chef or Exec Sous in high-volume catering.
• Strong menu planning, costing and execution experience for diverse events.
• Proven leadership and ability to train and motivate staff.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety and HACCP standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations for corporate catering.
• Develop creative, seasonal, cost-effective menus for corporate clients.
• Oversee food prep, cooking and presentation to ensure quality and consistency.
• Manage and mentor chefs and kitchen staff; foster a collaborative environment.
• Control costs, manage inventory and minimize waste.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Cost control

HACCP

Staff training

High-volume catering

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

A leading corporate catering specialist in Pretoria is looking for an accomplished and innovative Head Chef to lead its culinary operations. This is a significant opportunity for a seasoned chef to take charge of menu development, kitchen management, and the overall quality of food delivered to a discerning corporate clientele across Gauteng . You will be responsible for creating diverse and appealing menus, managing a team of kitchen staff, controlling costs, and ensuring impeccable hygiene and safety standards. The ideal candidate will possess a strong creative flair, extensive experience in large-scale catering, and a deep understanding of corporate dining trends. This role demands leadership, culinary artistry, and a commitment to excellence in every dish served. Our client is dedicated to providing exceptional culinary experiences and seeks a Head Chef who can drive innovation and maintain the highest standards of food production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the kitchen operations for corporate catering services.
• Develop creative, seasonal, and cost-effective menus tailored to corporate clients' needs.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation, ensuring exceptional quality and consistency.
• Manage and mentor a team of chefs and kitchen assistants, fostering a productive and collaborative environment.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, conduct regular stock takes, and minimize waste.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and sanitation regulations (HACCP).
• Collaborate with the sales and events team to meet client requirements and ensure seamless event execution.
• Source high-quality ingredients from approved suppliers and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Implement and maintain high standards of kitchen hygiene and organization.
• Stay updated with the latest culinary trends and techniques to continuously enhance menu offerings.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6-8 years of experience in a senior culinary role, with at least 3 years as a Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a high-volume catering environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu planning, costing, and execution for diverse events.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities, with the ability to train and motivate staff.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards (HACCP certification is essential).
• Proven experience in managing food costs and inventory effectively.
• A creative approach to cuisine with a strong understanding of contemporary food trends.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A relevant culinary qualification or trade certification is highly preferred.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, to support client events in Pretoria .

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package that reflects the seniority and responsibility of this role, along with performance-based incentives. Comprehensive health insurance and retirement benefits are included. You will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated culinary team and shape the menu for high-profile corporate events in Pretoria . Professional development opportunities and continuous learning are encouraged. This role provides a challenging yet rewarding career path within a dynamic and respected catering organization in Gauteng , with potential for further advancement.