Head Chef - Sandton

Thorburn Security Solutions (Pty) Ltd; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

TsAfrika is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead all kitchen operations, drive high-quality meals and exceptional service in a fast-paced catering environment.

The role covers menu planning, food safety compliance, stock control, budgeting, and staff development with a strong emphasis on quality and hygiene standards.

Qualifications

• Matric and professional culinary qualification required.
• Minimum 5 years in a professional kitchen and at least 3 years in a supervisory/head chef role.
• Experience in contract catering or corporate hospitality is advantageous.
• Strong cost control, menu planning and food safety knowledge (HACCP).
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to mentor staff.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and oversee daily menus and production.
• Maintain food quality, presentation, and portion control.
• Manage kitchen operations for efficiency and cost control.
• Monitor stock, place orders, and manage inventory.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Lead, coach, and supervise kitchen staff.
• Develop menu improvements and innovative offerings.
• Maintain clean, organized, and well-functioning kitchen facilities.
• Build strong relationships with clients and customers.
• Adhere to company policies and values; stay updated on trends.

Skills

Culinary expertise

Menu planning

Stock management

Food safety HACCP

Staff leadership

Budget awareness

Customer service

Planning & organisation

Work under pressure

Leadership development

Delivering results

Team coordination

Technology utilization

Values & ethics

Education

Matric Certificate

Culinary qualification

Food safety & hygiene certificate

5+ years in professional kitchen

3+ years in supervisory/head chef

Experience in contract catering

Upmarket function catering exposure

Cost control & menu planning

Strong functions experience

Communication skills

Job description

TsAfrika is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead all kitchen operations, ensuring the delivery of high-quality meals, exceptional customer service, and efficient food production. The successful candidate will oversee menu planning, food preparation, stock control, budgeting, food safety compliance, and the development of kitchen staff. This role requires a strong leader with excellent culinary expertise, a commitment to quality and hygiene standards, and the ability to manage a fast-paced catering environment while driving customer satisfaction and operational excellence.

As a leading African Integrated Workplace Management Solutions Provider, Tsebo Solutions Group offers clientsreduced costs, risk and complexitiestogether withincreased quality, efficiency and productivity. We specialise inCatering,Facilities Management,Cleaning and Hygiene,Pest Control,Protection,Energy,Procurement,Workspace Design,Engineering, Remote Camps, and more. DOWNLOAD OUR ONE-PAGER to find out more about who we are in a nutshell.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and oversee the production of daily menus.
• Ensure food quality, presentation, and portion control standards are consistently maintained.
• Manage kitchen operations to deliver efficient and cost-effective food production.
• Monitor stock levels, place orders, and control food costs and waste.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, health, and safety regulations.
• Lead, coach, train, and supervise kitchen staff.
• Conduct stock takes and manage inventory effectively.
• Develop and implement menu improvements and innovative food offerings.
• Maintain equipment and ensure the kitchen is clean, organized, and operational.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients and customers.
• Ensure all company policies and procedures are adhered to.
• Stay abreast with food trends as well as best practices.

Skills and Competencies

• Knowledge and Skills Strong culinary and food preparation skills.
• Menu planning and cost control.
• Stock management and procurement.
• Knowledge of food safety and HACCP principles.
• Staff leadership and people management.
• Budget and financial awareness.
• Customer service orientation.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Competencies Leadership and team development.
• Delivering results and meeting customer expectations.
• Planning and organising.
• Working with people.
• Applying expertise and technology.
• Adhering to principles and values.Coping with pressures and setbacks.

Qualifications

• Matric Certificate
• Relevant Culinary Qualification or Professional Cookery Certificate.
• Food Safety and Hygiene certification will be advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years' experience in a professional kitchen environment.
• At least 3 years' experience in a supervisory or Head Chef role.
• Experience in contract catering, hospitality, corporate catering environments will be advantageous.
• Exposure to upmarket function catering.
• Good at controlling costs and doing menu planning.
• Strong functions experience
• Computer literate and excellent communication skill