Head Chef - Event Catering

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Incentives based on performance

Culinary innovation opportunities

Relocation assistance considered

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Head Chef - Event Catering to lead the culinary team for Pretoria-based events. You will conceptualize and present menus, manage high-volume food production, and drive innovation while upholding quality and consistency.

The role requires strong leadership, advanced culinary skills, and a proven ability to manage costs and staff under pressure. A formal culinary qualification and HACCP knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in professional kitchens, with at least 3 years in Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef role in catering or high-volume settings.
• Formal culinary qualification from a recognized institution.
• Exceptional culinary skills and passion for high-quality dishes.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a kitchen team effectively.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, and financial control.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety and HACCP standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen brigade for all catering events in Pretoria.
• Develop creative and appealing menus for diverse tastes and dietary requirements.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation and presentation to high standards.
• Manage kitchen inventory, ordering, stock control, and waste minimization.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene and sanitation regulations.
• Train, mentor and develop junior kitchen staff.
• Collaborate with catering management on event planning and execution.
• Control food costs and maintain profitability within kitchen operations.
• Innovate and stay abreast of current culinary trends and techniques.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Cost control

HACCP knowledge

Staff training

Diverse cuisines

Education

Formal culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the event and catering industry, is seeking a highly talented and creative Head Chef - Event Catering to lead their culinary team in Pretoria, Gauteng . This is a senior position with overall responsibility for the conceptualization, preparation, and presentation of all food served at various events. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional culinary skills, a strong understanding of diverse cuisines, and the ability to manage a busy kitchen environment efficiently. You will be instrumental in driving innovation, maintaining the highest standards of quality and consistency, and managing kitchen operations within budget. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to shape the culinary direction of a prestigious catering operation in Pretoria and leave your culinary mark on memorable events.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen brigade, ensuring efficient and high-quality food production for all catering events in Pretoria .
• Develop creative and appealing menus that cater to diverse tastes and dietary requirements.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation to the highest standards.
• Manage kitchen inventory, including ordering supplies, controlling stock levels, and minimizing waste.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Train, mentor, and develop junior kitchen staff.
• Collaborate with the catering management team on event planning and execution.
• Control food costs and maintain profitability within the kitchen operations.
• Innovate and stay abreast of current culinary trends and techniques.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in professional kitchens, with at least 3 years in a Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef role, preferably in catering or high-volume establishments.
• Formal culinary qualification from a recognized institution.
• Exceptional culinary skills and a passion for creating high-quality dishes.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a kitchen team effectively.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, and financial control.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards (e.g., HACCP).
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to the demands of event catering in Pretoria .
• Creative flair and a commitment to culinary excellence.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Opportunities for culinary innovation and menu development.
• Professional growth and development within a leading company.
• A dynamic and creative work environment.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates.