Head Chef & Menu Visionary — Boutique Catering

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Professional development

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Head Chef to lead a boutique catering operation in Cape Town. You will own menu conception, sourcing local ingredients, and guide a talented kitchen brigade to deliver exquisite dishes and flawless presentations for a discerning clientele.

You will manage all kitchen operations, drive food safety, budgeting, and supplier relations, and partner with event planners to tailor menus for exclusive occasions. Hybrid work options may be available.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of progressive culinary experience with at least 3 years in Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef.
• Proven ability to create innovative menus and refined presentation.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills to develop kitchen talent.
• Experience in budgeting, cost control, inventory, and HACCP/food safety.
• Knowledge of South African seasonal produce and sustainable sourcing.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute innovative, seasonal menus for exclusive events.
• Lead and inspire a kitchen team, ensuring excellence and collaboration.
• Oversee inventory, orders, waste, and food safety standards.
• Collaborate with catering management on event planning and tastings.
• Oversee food preparation, plating, and consistency with recipes.
• Maintain supplier relationships and negotiate ingredient sourcing.

Skills

Leadership

Menu design

Food safety

Budgeting

Sourcing

Training

Communication

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Head Chef to lead a boutique catering operation in Cape Town. You will own menu conception, sourcing local ingredients, and guide a talented kitchen brigade to deliver exquisite dishes and flawless presentations for a discerning clientele.

You will manage all kitchen operations, drive food safety, budgeting, and supplier relations, and partner with event planners to tailor menus for exclusive occasions. Hybrid work options may be available.