Head Chef - Premium Catering

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits

Career advancement opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead culinary operations for diverse events. You will concept, create, and execute innovative menus, manage the kitchen brigade, and uphold the highest standards of quality and safety.

The role requires a minimum 8 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 4 years in a Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef position, plus formal culinary qualifications. Excellent leadership and cost-control skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive culinary experience with at least 4 years in Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef role in catering.
• Proven expertise in menu development, cost control, and kitchen management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Extensive knowledge of cooking techniques and international cuisines.
• Excellent understanding of food safety standards (HACCP).
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a demanding environment.
• Passion for culinary excellence and delivering outstanding guest experiences.
• Formal culinary qualification from a recognized institution is essential.
• Physically capable of standing long hours and working in a hot kitchen.
• Creative flair and attention to detail in food presentation.

Responsibilities

• Develop creative, seasonal menus for various catering events.
• Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen brigade.
• Oversee all food preparation, cooking, and presentation quality.
• Manage kitchen inventory, procurement, stock control, and waste reduction.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Control food costs and manage kitchen budgets.
• Collaborate with catering and sales teams to meet client requirements.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure a safe working environment.
• Conduct regular tastings and quality checks of all dishes.
• Stay updated on culinary trends and incorporate them into menus.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Cost control

HACCP

Kitchen operations

Education

Formal culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned provider of premium catering services in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is seeking an exceptionally talented and experienced Head Chef to lead their culinary operations. This is a non-remote position where you will be responsible for conceptualizing, creating, and executing innovative and high-quality menus for a diverse range of events, from intimate weddings to large corporate functions. You will manage the entire kitchen brigade, ensure impeccable food quality, control costs, and uphold the highest standards of hygiene and safety. The ideal candidate possesses a passion for gastronomy, exceptional leadership skills, and a proven ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced catering environment. You will be the driving force behind our culinary reputation, setting new benchmarks for excellence in the region.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop creative, seasonal, and market-driven menus for various catering events.
• Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen brigade, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation to ensure exceptional quality.
• Manage kitchen inventory, including procurement, stock control, and waste reduction strategies.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Control food costs and manage kitchen budgets effectively.
• Collaborate with the catering and sales teams to meet client requirements and exceed expectations.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure a safe working environment.
• Conduct regular tastings and quality checks of all dishes.
• Stay abreast of culinary trends and innovations, incorporating them into menu development.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 4 years in a Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef role, preferably within catering.
• Proven expertise in menu development, cost control, and kitchen management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• In-depth knowledge of various cooking techniques and international cuisines.
• Excellent understanding of food safety standards (HACCP principles).
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a demanding environment.
• Passion for culinary excellence and a commitment to delivering outstanding guest experiences.
• Formal culinary qualification from a recognized institution is essential.
• Must be physically capable of performing the duties of a Head Chef, including standing for long periods and working in a hot kitchen environment.
• A creative flair and a keen eye for detail in food presentation.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive benefits.
• You will have the opportunity to work with high-quality ingredients, lead a talented culinary team, and shape the gastronomic direction of a leading catering company.
• This role provides a challenging yet rewarding career path in a beautiful setting.
• Join us and showcase your culinary artistry.