Head Cook - Large Event Venue

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Opportunities for growth

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Head Cook for a prominent event venue in Mahikeng, North West. The role focuses on leading kitchen operations for conferences, banquets and private functions, overseeing food preparation and staff, and upholding safety standards.

The ideal candidate has strong leadership, a background in high-volume cooking, and a passion for delivering high-quality, well-presented meals. The position offers a dynamic team environment and opportunities for culinary growth in a reputable

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years as Cook or Head Cook in high-volume catering or events.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a kitchen team.
• Strong cooking techniques, food preparation and presentation skills.
• Excellent food safety, HACCP and hygiene knowledge.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Good organization, time management and inventory/cost control.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Flexible shifts as required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage all kitchen activities including food prep, cooking and plating.
• Lead, train and motivate kitchen staff for high performance.
• Plan and execute menus with event organizers and management.
• Ensure consistent quality and presentation of all food served.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation and ordering of supplies.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, sanitation and hygiene rules.
• Control food costs and minimize waste through efficient prep and portioning.
• Check equipment and ensure proper maintenance.
• Assist in developing new recipes and menu items.
• Collaborate with catering and event teams to meet client expectations.
• Keep kitchen clean, organized and well equipped at all times.

Skills

Leadership

High-volume cooking

Food presentation

HACCP & hygiene

Inventory management

Cost control

Communication

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent and busy event venue in Mahikeng, North West , is seeking an experienced and highly capable Head Cook to lead their kitchen operations. This role is critical for preparing high-quality meals for a diverse range of events, including conferences, banquets, and private functions. The Head Cook will be responsible for overseeing food preparation, managing kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to safety and hygiene standards, and contributing to menu development. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in high-volume cooking, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for creating delicious and well-presented food. Join a dedicated team that plays a vital role in delivering memorable experiences for guests in Mahikeng .

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage all aspects of the kitchen, including food preparation, cooking, and plating.
• Lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff, ensuring efficient workflow and high performance.
• Plan and execute menus in collaboration with event organizers and management.
• Ensure consistent quality and presentation of all food served.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation, and ordering of kitchen supplies.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations.
• Control food costs and minimize waste through efficient preparation and portioning.
• Conduct regular checks on equipment and ensure proper maintenance.
• Assist in developing new recipes and menu items.
• Work closely with the catering and event management teams to meet client expectations.
• Ensure the kitchen is clean, organized, and fully equipped at all times.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a Cook or Head Cook, preferably in a high-volume catering or event venue setting.
• Proven experience in leading and managing a kitchen team.
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation, and presentation.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, HACCP, and hygiene standards.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in inventory management and cost control.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required by event schedules.
• Passion for food and commitment to quality service in Mahikeng, North West .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with your experience and skills. This role provides an excellent opportunity to lead a kitchen in a bustling event venue, contributing to the success of numerous functions. You will work with a dedicated team and have the chance to showcase your culinary expertise in Mahikeng, North West . Benefits include potential for performance bonuses and opportunities for professional growth within the venue's operations. Join a stable and reputable establishment that values hard work and dedication to culinary excellence.