Head Chef — Creative Leader for Premium Event Catering

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 650,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks a creative Head Chef to lead a boutique catering kitchen for weddings, corporate functions and private parties. You will conceptualize menus, oversee food preparation, and ensure top-tier presentation, hygiene and service standards.

You will manage a skilled kitchen brigade, develop seasonal menus, control costs, train staff, and partner with event teams to craft memorable dining experiences in a fast-paced setting; flexibility to work evenings and

Qualifications

• 7+ years culinary experience with 3+ years in Head Chef or Sous Chef in high-volume catering or fine dining.
• Culinary degree or equivalent certification desirable.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a kitchen team.
• Strong knife skills and mastery of cooking techniques.
• Knowledge of food costing, inventory management, and menu engineering.
• Understanding of health, safety regulations.
• Ability to work under pressure across multiple events.
• Flexible to work evenings, weekends, holidays.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations for catering events.
• Develop seasonal menus reflecting current trends and dietary needs.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff.
• Ensure HACCP and hygiene standards.
• Control costs through inventory and waste reduction.
• Collaborate with catering manager for event proposals.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and equipment.
• Source high-quality ingredients from local suppliers.
• Conduct quality checks and tastings for consistency.
• Stay updated with culinary techniques and trends.

Skills

Leadership

Knife skills

Menu engineering

Food costing

Health and safety knowledge

Communication

Pressure management

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent professional certification

Job description

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, seeks a creative Head Chef to lead a boutique catering kitchen for weddings, corporate functions and private parties. You will conceptualize menus, oversee food preparation, and ensure top-tier presentation, hygiene and service standards.

You will manage a skilled kitchen brigade, develop seasonal menus, control costs, train staff, and partner with event teams to craft memorable dining experiences in a fast-paced setting; flexibility to work evenings and