Head Chef - Exclusive Events

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Health & wellness benefits

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg is seeking an innovative and experienced Head Chef to lead our prestigious catering division. You will guide menu creation, kitchen operations, and team leadership across a range of high-profile events.

You will manage food cost, inventory, and procurement, ensure top-quality food presentation, and uphold safety standards while mentoring a talented kitchen team.

Qualifications

• Proven Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef experience in high-volume catering or fine dining.
• Strong culinary expertise across cuisines and techniques.
• Demonstrated leadership to motivate and manage a kitchen team.
• Excellent organizational and time management with attention to detail.
• Relevant culinary qualifications or certifications.
• Proficiency in menu costing and inventory management systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement creative, seasonal menus that align with client expectations and current culinary trends.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and hygiene standards.
• Manage and mentor a team of chefs and kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and ensure efficient procurement of high-quality ingredients.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to ensure seamless execution of catering services on-site.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and compliance with all relevant regulations.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Leadership

Menu costing

Inventory management

Culinary expertise

Time management

Education

Culinary qualifications

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and experienced Head Chef to lead their prestigious catering division based in Johannesburg . This role is pivotal in maintaining and elevating the culinary standards for a diverse range of high-profile events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale banquets. You will be responsible for menu creation, kitchen management, team leadership, and ensuring impeccable food quality and presentation. This is a fantastic opportunity for a culinary visionary to make a significant impact within a dynamic and growing catering operation, shaping unforgettable dining experiences for discerning clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement creative, seasonal menus that align with client expectations and current culinary trends.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and hygiene standards.
• Manage and mentor a team of chefs and kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and ensure efficient procurement of high-quality ingredients.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to ensure seamless execution of catering services on-site.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and compliance with all relevant regulations.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a high-volume catering or fine dining establishment.
• Strong culinary expertise, with a deep understanding of various cuisines and cooking techniques.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and manage a kitchen team effectively.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Relevant culinary qualifications or certifications.
• Proficiency in menu costing and inventory management systems.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to lead culinary innovation for prestigious events in Johannesburg .
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package.
• Generous annual leave and paid sick days.
• Professional development opportunities and exposure to high-end event catering.