Head Chef - Premium Catering

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary & incentives

Lead premium team

Premium ingredients & equipment

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion is seeking a Head Chef for Premium Catering to lead on-site operations, design bespoke menus, and guide a professional kitchen team to deliver exceptional dining experiences for a discerning clientele.

The role demands 5+ years in high-volume catering or fine dining, a culinary degree, strong leadership, and expertise in costing, inventory, and HACCP. You will collaborate with events staff to ensure flawless execution and uphold the brand's culinary excellence.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience (5+ years) as Head or Sous Chef in catering or fine dining.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management.
• Expertise in menu costing and inventory control.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety and HACCP.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation.
• Develop creative and diverse menus, considering seasonal ingredients and client preferences.
• Oversee a team of kitchen staff, providing training, guidance, and performance management.
• Ensure the highest standards of food quality, taste, and consistency are maintained.
• Manage inventory, food costs, and supplier relationships effectively.
• Implement and enforce strict hygiene, sanitation, and safety protocols in the kitchen.
• Collaborate with event planners and management to cater to specific event requirements.
• Monitor kitchen budgets and control expenses to meet financial targets.
• Stay updated with the latest culinary trends and techniques to innovate and inspire.

Skills

Leadership

Menu engineering

HACCP

Food safety

Team management

Budget control

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in the exclusive events and catering industry, is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Head Chef - Premium Catering to lead their culinary operations in Centurion, Gauteng . This is an on-site position demanding exceptional culinary expertise, leadership, and a passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences. You will be responsible for the entire kitchen, from menu development and food preparation to team management and quality control. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in high-volume, high-quality catering environments, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence. You will work closely with the events team to design bespoke menus and ensure flawless execution for a discerning clientele. This role is crucial in maintaining and elevating our client's reputation for culinary excellence in the Centurion area and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation.
• Develop creative and diverse menus, considering seasonal ingredients and client preferences.
• Oversee a team of kitchen staff, providing training, guidance, and performance management.
• Ensure the highest standards of food quality, taste, and consistency are maintained.
• Manage inventory, food costs, and supplier relationships effectively.
• Implement and enforce strict hygiene, sanitation, and safety protocols in the kitchen.
• Collaborate with event planners and management to cater to specific event requirements.
• Monitor kitchen budgets and control expenses to meet financial targets.
• Stay updated with the latest culinary trends and techniques to innovate and inspire.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (5+ years) as a Head Chef or Sous Chef in a demanding catering or fine dining environment.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.
• Expertise in menu engineering, costing, and inventory control.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards (e.g., HACCP).
• Exceptional palate and creative flair for food presentation.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Attractive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity to lead a talented culinary team.
• Work with premium ingredients and cutting-edge kitchen equipment.
• Exposure to high-profile events and diverse clientele.
• Professional growth and development opportunities.
• Be recognized as a key contributor to a renowned catering brand in Centurion .