Kitchen Operations Lead for High-Volume Catering

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Key operational hub management

Professional development

Supportive work environment

Career advancement

Culinary excellence

Job summary

Placements24 in Nelspruit is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to oversee all kitchen operations, drive efficiency, quality, and safety. You will lead a kitchen team, manage inventory and costs, and ensure top culinary output for diverse clients.

The role requires at least 5 years in kitchen management, strong leadership, and a robust understanding of food safety, inventory control, and budgeting. Flexibility for varied shifts is expected.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in kitchen management or high-volume catering.
• Proven staff leadership, training, and development experience.
• Strong HACCP and food-safety knowledge.
• Excellent inventory control, cost management, and budgeting skills.
• Outstanding organizational and time-management abilities.
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Culinary background or certification is desirable.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and manage all daily kitchen operations including food preparation, cooking, and service.
• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff to foster a positive and productive work environment.
• Manage inventory: ordering, stock rotation, waste reduction.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Oversee food quality and presentation for consistency across dishes.
• Control kitchen costs: food and labor, to meet budgets.
• Maintain and service kitchen equipment in good working order.
• Develop and implement efficient kitchen workflows and procedures.
• Collaborate with sales/events for smooth service delivery.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Food safety

Inventory control

Budgeting

Time management

Communication

Problem solving

Culinary background

Education

Culinary certification

Job description

Placements24 in Nelspruit is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to oversee all kitchen operations, drive efficiency, quality, and safety. You will lead a kitchen team, manage inventory and costs, and ensure top culinary output for diverse clients.

The role requires at least 5 years in kitchen management, strong leadership, and a robust understanding of food safety, inventory control, and budgeting. Flexibility for varied shifts is expected.