Head Chef: Creative Leader in High-Volume Catering

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Staff meals

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Head Chef for a prestigious catering operation in Tembisa, Gauteng. This senior role leads all culinary activities, from menu creation and costing to staff management and ensuring top-quality dishes for a diverse clientele.

You will drive culinary excellence in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen, maintaining rigorous hygiene standards and mentoring a busy team to deliver exceptional results across services.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a Head Chef or Sous Chef role within high-volume catering or fine dining.
• Proven expertise in menu creation and costing.
• Strong leadership and team-management abilities.
• Solid knowledge of food safety regulations and HACCP principles.
• Experience with budgeting and cost control in a busy kitchen.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills under pressure.
• Creative flair and passion for innovative cuisine.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the entire kitchen brigade to ensure smooth service.
• Develop innovative and seasonal menus with cost considerations and client preferences.
• Ensure all dishes meet highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation.
• Control food costs through precise inventory, stock rotation, and waste reduction.
• Recruit, train, and develop kitchen staff to maintain excellence.
• Maintain strict hygiene, safety, and sanitation in line with health regulations.
• Collaborate with catering management to plan events and ensure timely delivery.
• Monitor kitchen equipment maintenance and repairs to avoid downtime.
• Foster a positive, productive kitchen culture and teamwork.
• Stay updated on culinary trends to continuously elevate dining experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food cost control

HACCP

Food safety

Budget management

Staff training

Quality assurance

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Head Chef for a prestigious catering operation in Tembisa, Gauteng. This senior role leads all culinary activities, from menu creation and costing to staff management and ensuring top-quality dishes for a diverse clientele.

You will drive culinary excellence in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen, maintaining rigorous hygiene standards and mentoring a busy team to deliver exceptional results across services.