Head Chef - Event Catering

Placements24; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Growth opportunities

State-of-the-art kitchen facilities

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Head Chef to lead our prestigious event catering division in Johannesburg, South Africa. The role covers menu development, kitchen management, and team leadership to deliver exceptional dining experiences for high-profile events.

The ideal candidate will have 5+ years in a senior culinary role, formal culinary qualifications, and a strong command of international cuisines, food safety, and budgeting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a senior culinary role, preferably within high-volume event catering.
• Proven track record in managing kitchen operations, staff, and budgets.
• Deep understanding of international cuisines and modern presentation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative menus for various catering events, considering client preferences and budgets.
• Lead the kitchen brigade, including sous chefs and line cooks, fostering excellence and teamwork.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking and presentation to meet quality and aesthetic standards.
• Enforce stringent food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols across all kitchen operations.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and evaluate suppliers for quality and value.
• Collaborate with events team to ensure seamless culinary execution for all functions.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Kitchen management

HACCP

Food safety

Budgeting

Staff training

Education

Formal culinary qualifications

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and creative Head Chef to lead their prestigious event catering division based in Johannesburg . This pivotal role involves overseeing all culinary operations, from menu development and execution to kitchen management and team leadership. You will be responsible for delivering exceptional dining experiences for a diverse range of high-profile events, ensuring consistent quality, innovation, and adherence to the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for culinary arts, a strong understanding of event logistics, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative, seasonally appropriate menus for various catering events, considering client preferences and budget constraints.
• Manage and lead the kitchen brigade, including sous chefs, line cooks, and kitchen assistants, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation, ensuring all dishes meet quality and aesthetic standards.
• Implement and enforce stringent food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols across all kitchen operations.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and conduct regular supplier evaluations to ensure quality and value.
• Collaborate with the events team to ensure seamless execution of culinary aspects for all functions.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior culinary role, preferably within high-volume event catering.
• Formal culinary qualifications from a recognized institution.
• Proven ability to manage kitchen operations, staff, and budgets effectively.
• Deep understanding of various international cuisines and modern presentation techniques.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations and HACCP principles.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to work with a renowned catering company and showcase culinary talent.
• Access to high-quality ingredients and state-of-the-art kitchen facilities.
• Potential for career growth and professional development.
• A dynamic and rewarding work environment focused on delivering memorable events.