Head Chef - High-Volume Catering

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 450,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Staff meals

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Head Chef for a prestigious catering operation in Tembisa, Gauteng. This senior role leads all culinary activities, from menu creation and costing to staff management and ensuring top-quality dishes for a diverse clientele.

You will drive culinary excellence in a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen, maintaining rigorous hygiene standards and mentoring a busy team to deliver exceptional results across services.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a Head Chef or Sous Chef role within high-volume catering or fine dining.
• Proven expertise in menu creation and costing.
• Strong leadership and team-management abilities.
• Solid knowledge of food safety regulations and HACCP principles.
• Experience with budgeting and cost control in a busy kitchen.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills under pressure.
• Creative flair and passion for innovative cuisine.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the entire kitchen brigade to ensure smooth service.
• Develop innovative and seasonal menus with cost considerations and client preferences.
• Ensure all dishes meet highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation.
• Control food costs through precise inventory, stock rotation, and waste reduction.
• Recruit, train, and develop kitchen staff to maintain excellence.
• Maintain strict hygiene, safety, and sanitation in line with health regulations.
• Collaborate with catering management to plan events and ensure timely delivery.
• Monitor kitchen equipment maintenance and repairs to avoid downtime.
• Foster a positive, productive kitchen culture and teamwork.
• Stay updated on culinary trends to continuously elevate dining experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food cost control

HACCP

Food safety

Budget management

Staff training

Quality assurance

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious and expanding catering company based in Tembisa, Gauteng , is seeking a highly skilled and creative Head Chef to lead their culinary operations. This is a pivotal role requiring exceptional leadership, a passion for gastronomic excellence, and the ability to manage a busy kitchen environment producing high-volume, sophisticated cuisine for a diverse clientele. The successful candidate will be responsible for all aspects of the kitchen, from menu creation and costing to staff management and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and presentation. This role demands creativity, precision, and a keen eye for detail, ensuring that every dish served reflects our client's commitment to culinary innovation and client satisfaction. As Head Chef, you will be the driving force behind the kitchen's success, setting the tone for culinary excellence and driving efficiency in a demanding, fast-paced setting. You will be expected to maintain rigorous hygiene standards and lead by example, inspiring your team to achieve greatness in every service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the entire kitchen brigade, ensuring efficient and smooth operations during service.
• Develop innovative and seasonal menus, including specials, considering cost, ingredient availability, and client preferences.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared to the highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation.
• Manage food costs effectively through precise inventory control, stock rotation, and waste reduction strategies.
• Oversee the recruitment, training, and professional development of kitchen staff.
• Maintain impeccable standards of kitchen hygiene, safety, and sanitation, adhering to all health regulations.
• Collaborate with the catering management team to plan and execute events, ensuring seamless food production and delivery.
• Monitor and control kitchen equipment maintenance and repair.
• Foster a positive and productive working environment within the kitchen team.
• Stay abreast of culinary trends and new techniques to continuously elevate the dining experience.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in a high-volume catering or fine dining establishment.
• Proven culinary expertise with a strong portfolio of successful menu development and execution.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and mentor kitchen staff.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations and HACCP principles.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with food costing and budget management.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work under pressure.
• Creative flair and a passion for innovative cuisine.
• Relevant culinary qualifications or certifications are highly regarded.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and adapt to changing demands.
• A commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality and service.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, a dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth within a respected catering company. You will have the chance to showcase your culinary talent and lead a dedicated team.

• performance-based bonuses
• staff meals
• potential for advancement within the organization.

Join a team that values creativity and culinary excellence in Tembisa .