Head Chef - Premium Catering

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Lead a talented culinary team

State-of-the-art kitchen facilities

Professional development

Dynamic and rewarding environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an exceptional Head Chef to lead its culinary operations for premier events in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will shape menus, oversee all aspects of kitchen management, and supervise staff to deliver outstanding presentations.

The ideal candidate has at least 7 years of culinary experience, formal qualifications, and a proven ability to manage busy kitchens and budgets while maintaining high standards of quality and creativity for diverse events.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary qualifications are essential.
• Proven track record in menu development for high-profile events.
• Strong leadership and team management skills required.
• Solid understanding of food costing, portion control and inventory management.
• Excellent hygiene, sanitation and HACCP knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations for catered events across Durban.
• Develop creative and enticing menus reflecting trends and client preferences.
• Ensure consistent quality and presentation of all dishes.
• Hire, train, schedule, and evaluate kitchen staff.
• Control food costs and manage inventory effectively; reduce waste.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, sanitation and food safety.
• Collaborate with catering managers and event planners on menu details and logistics.
• Source high-quality ingredients from reputable suppliers.
• Stay informed on industry trends and culinary techniques.

Skills

Menu development

Food safety

Team leadership

Cost control

HACCP

Sanitation

Communication

Education

Formal culinary qualifications

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier catering service provider in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**, is searching for an exceptional Head Chef to lead its culinary operations. This is a fantastic opportunity for a creative and experienced chef to shape the menu and kitchen environment for a diverse range of high-profile events. You will be responsible for all culinary aspects, from menu development and execution to kitchen management and staff supervision. The ideal candidate will have a refined palate, a passion for innovative cuisine, and the ability to manage a busy kitchen while maintaining the highest standards of quality and presentation. Join a dedicated team and make your mark on the culinary scene in **Durban**.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation for catered events across **Durban**.
• Develop creative and enticing menus that reflect current culinary trends and client preferences.
• Ensure consistent quality and presentation of all dishes.
• Manage kitchen staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Control food costs and inventory, implementing effective stock management and waste reduction strategies.
• Maintain impeccable standards of hygiene, sanitation, and food safety in the kitchen.
• Collaborate with catering managers and event planners to finalize menu details and logistics.
• Source high-quality ingredients from reputable suppliers.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and explore new culinary techniques.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 3 years in a Head Chef or Sous Chef role in a demanding catering environment.
• Formal culinary qualifications are essential.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu creation and execution for diverse events.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent understanding of kitchen operations, food costing, and inventory management.
• Proficiency in food safety regulations and HACCP principles.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines for events in **Durban**.
• Creative flair and a passion for gastronomy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• The opportunity to lead a talented culinary team in **Durban**.
• Access to state-of-the-art kitchen facilities.
• Professional development and continuous learning opportunities.
• A dynamic and rewarding work environment within a growing company.