Head Chef - Fine Dining Restaurant & Events

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Head Chef to lead the culinary operations in Stellenbosch's renowned wine region. You will oversee both the restaurant kitchen and the catering division, shaping the menu, maintaining high standards, and driving excellence in service.

You will recruit and train a diverse kitchen team, manage inventory and costs, source local ingredients, and ensure strict health and safety compliance while staying abreast of global culinary trends.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of progressive Head Chef/Senior Sous Chef experience in fine dining or high-end catering.
• Formal culinary qualification from a recognized institution.
• Proven leadership and ability to manage diverse kitchen teams.
• Strong financial skills: menu costing, budgeting, inventory control.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards and best practices.
• Ability to thrive under pressure during peak service in Stellenbosch.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage kitchen operations for the fine dining restaurant and the catering division, ensuring consistent quality and service.
• Develop innovative and seasonal menus that reflect the restaurant's ethos and cater to events.
• Source high-quality ingredients, establishing strong relationships with local suppliers.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and cost control to optimise profitability without compromising quality.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage the kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety and hygiene regulations within the kitchen.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, plating and presentation to the highest standards.
• Collaborate with management and events team to ensure seamless dining and event experiences.
• Maintain creative direction and culinary innovation, staying abreast of global trends.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to kitchen staff.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Culinary excellence

Staff training

Financial management

Food safety

Communication

Education

Formal culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an acclaimed fine dining restaurant with an attached high‑end catering division, is seeking a visionary and experienced Head Chef to lead their culinary operations in the prestigious wine region of Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role demands exceptional creativity, leadership, and a commitment to culinary excellence, overseeing both the restaurant kitchen and the catering division's food production. The ideal candidate will possess a refined palate, a mastery of contemporary and classic techniques, and a passion for sourcing the finest local and seasonal ingredients. You will be responsible for menu development, kitchen management, staff training, and maintaining impeccable standards of quality and presentation. This is a unique opportunity to shape the gastronomic identity of a renowned establishment in the heart of Stellenbosch 's vibrant food scene, contributing to its legacy of fine dining and event catering in the beautiful Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations for the fine dining restaurant and the catering division, ensuring consistent quality and service.
• Develop innovative and seasonal menus that reflect the restaurant's fine dining ethos and cater to diverse event needs.
• Source high‑quality ingredients, establishing strong relationships with local suppliers and producers.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and cost control to optimise profitability without compromising on quality.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage the kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and hygiene regulations within the kitchen.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation to the highest standards.
• Collaborate with the restaurant management and events team to ensure seamless dining and event experiences.
• Maintain creative direction and culinary innovation, staying abreast of global culinary trends.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to kitchen staff.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of progressive experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a reputable fine dining restaurant or high‑end catering establishment.
• Formal culinary qualification from a recognised institution.
• Exceptional culinary skills, creativity, and a passion for innovative cuisine.
• Proven ability to manage a diverse kitchen team and maintain high morale.
• Strong understanding of financial management, including menu costing, budgeting, and inventory control.
• In‑depth knowledge of food safety standards and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a demanding environment, particularly during peak service times in Stellenbosch .
• Experience with both restaurant service and large‑scale event catering is essential.
• A commitment to using fresh, local, and seasonal produce is crucial for this role in the Western Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, including performance‑based incentives, and the opportunity to lead culinary innovation in a renowned establishment. You will work with premium ingredients and state‑of‑the‑art kitchen facilities in Stellenbosch . The role provides significant scope for creative expression and professional growth within the vibrant culinary landscape of the Western Cape . Our client fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment, with opportunities for continuous learning and development. This position offers the prestige of leading a highly respected kitchen and contributing to exceptional dining and event experiences.