Head Chef - Event Catering

Placements24; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Career growth

High-end kitchen facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Head Chef for a premier event catering service in Midrand. You will lead the culinary team, develop menus, manage kitchen operations, and ensure top-quality food and presentation across corporate events, weddings, and private parties.

The ideal candidate has a track record in high-volume catering, strong leadership, HACCP knowledge, and expertise in menu costing and inventory control.

Qualifications

• Proven Head Chef or Exec Sous Chef in high-volume event catering.
• Extensive knowledge of international cuisines and techniques.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent HACCP and kitchen management knowledge.
• Proficient in menu costing, inventory control and budget management.
• Creative flair and eye for food presentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative menus for diverse catering events within budget.
• Oversee all kitchen operations including prep, cooking and plating.
• Lead, train and mentor kitchen staff.
• Control food costs via inventory management and sourcing.
• Collaborate with planners and clients for event-day execution.
• Conduct quality checks and taste panels to maintain standards.

Skills

Leadership

Menu costing

Inventory management

HACCP knowledge

Creativity

Team management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier event catering service in Midrand , is seeking an experienced and creative Head Chef to lead their culinary team. This pivotal role involves overseeing all kitchen operations, from menu development and execution to inventory management and staff supervision. You will be instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of food quality and presentation, ensuring unforgettable dining experiences for a diverse clientele across various events, including corporate functions, weddings, and private parties. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for innovative cuisine and a proven track record in high-volume catering environments, contributing to the company's reputation for excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and appealing menus for diverse catering events, considering seasonality, client preferences, and budget constraints.
• Manage all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and ensuring strict adherence to hygiene and safety standards.
• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive team environment and optimizing workflow.
• Control food costs through effective inventory management, sourcing high-quality ingredients, and minimizing waste.
• Collaborate with event planners and clients to understand specific culinary requirements and ensure flawless execution on event days.
• Conduct regular quality control checks and taste panels to maintain consistent high standards across all dishes served.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef, preferably within the event catering industry.
• Extensive knowledge of various international cuisines and culinary techniques.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide kitchen personnel effectively.
• Excellent understanding of food safety regulations (HACCP) and kitchen management best practices.
• Proficiency in menu costing, inventory control, and budget management.
• Creative flair and a keen eye for detail in food presentation.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to shape the culinary direction of a leading event catering company.
• Access to high-quality kitchen facilities and equipment.
• Supportive work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
• Performance-based bonuses and potential for career advancement.