Head Chef - Premium Catering Division

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a dynamic Head Chef in Centurion, Gauteng to lead our culinary operations for high-end events. This hands-on role requires developing menus, managing a kitchen team, and delivering exceptional food quality and presentation for weddings and corporate functions.

You will enforce HACCP and food safety standards, oversee inventory and costs, and collaborate with catering and sales to plan seamless events. A culinary qualification and relocation to Centurion are preferred.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 4 years in a Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef role.
• Proven track record of creating exceptional menus and delivering high-quality cuisine for events.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate culinary staff.
• In-depth knowledge of culinary techniques, flavor profiles, and presentation styles.
• Comprehensive understanding of food safety regulations, HACCP principles, and kitchen management.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Proficiency in inventory management and cost control.
• A culinary qualification from a recognized institution is highly desirable.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Centurion, Gauteng area.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Develop innovative and seasonally relevant menus for various catering events, considering client preferences and dietary requirements.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Manage kitchen inventory, including stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships, to optimize costs and minimize waste.
• Implement and enforce stringent food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards (HACCP compliance).
• Collaborate closely with the catering and sales teams to plan event details and ensure seamless execution.
• Conduct regular taste panels and menu tastings to ensure high standards are met.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure a clean, organized, and efficient working environment.

Skills

Leadership & mentoring

Menu development

Food safety & HACCP

Inventory & cost control

Event catering

Team management

Kitchen operations

Menu tastings

Education

Culinary qualification

Hospitality qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a prestigious catering company renowned for its exquisite culinary creations and flawless event execution in the Centurion, Gauteng area. We are seeking an innovative and highly skilled Head Chef to lead our culinary operations. This is a hands-on role where you will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and executing exceptional menus for a wide array of events, from lavish weddings to sophisticated corporate functions. The Head Chef will manage a dedicated kitchen team, ensure the highest standards of food quality and presentation, and maintain strict adherence to health and safety regulations. You will play a pivotal role in shaping our culinary identity, driving creativity, and ensuring guest satisfaction through outstanding food experiences. This is a demanding but incredibly rewarding position for a passionate culinary artist.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and mentor the kitchen brigade, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.


• Develop innovative and seasonally relevant menus for various catering events, considering client preferences and dietary requirements.


• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation, ensuring consistency and quality.


• Manage kitchen inventory, including stock control, ordering, and supplier relationships, to optimize costs and minimize waste.


• Implement and enforce stringent food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards (HACCP compliance).


• Collaborate closely with the catering and sales teams to plan event details and ensure seamless execution.


• Conduct regular taste panels and menu tastings to ensure high standards are met.


• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure a clean, organized, and efficient working environment.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 4 years in a Head Chef or Executive Sous Chef role, preferably within the catering or high-end hospitality industry.


• A proven track record of creating exceptional menus and delivering high-quality cuisine for events.


• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate culinary staff.


• In-depth knowledge of culinary techniques, flavor profiles, and presentation styles.


• Comprehensive understanding of food safety regulations, HACCP principles, and kitchen management.


• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.


• Proficiency in inventory management and cost control.


• A culinary qualification from a recognized institution is highly desirable.


• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Centurion, Gauteng area.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.


• Opportunity to lead the culinary vision of a renowned catering company.


• Work with high-quality ingredients and state-of-the-art kitchen facilities.


• Professional development and potential for advancement.


• Be part of a dynamic and creative team environment.