Lead Banqueting Chef - Premier Event Culinary Leader

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

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary

State-of-the-art kitchen

Career advancement

Performance bonuses

Prestigious events

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Banqueting Chef to orchestrate banqueting and event catering operations in George, Western Cape. You will design menus, lead a kitchen brigade, and ensure top-tier food quality, hygiene, and client satisfaction for high-profile events.

You will mentor staff, drive culinary innovation, and manage costs while maintaining outstanding service in a fast-paced setting. Evening/weekend flexibility is required as events dictate schedules.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years progressive culinary experience, with 3–5 years in a supervisory or leadership role within banqueting or event catering.
• Formal culinary qualification from a reputable institution is highly desirable.
• Proven expertise in menu creation, costing, and execution for large-scale events.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills with strong communication.
• Sound knowledge of HACCP, food safety, and kitchen hygiene.
• Ability to manage kitchen operations, costs, and minimize waste.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute creative menus for banquets, conferences, weddings and events.
• Lead, train, and manage the banqueting kitchen brigade.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including prep, cooking, plating and hygiene.
• Manage inventory, stock control, and procurement ensuring freshness and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with events management teams to ensure seamless event execution and client satisfaction.
• Implement strict food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards.
• Control food costs and minimize waste through efficient kitchen practices.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of all kitchen areas.
• Stay updated on culinary trends and introduce new techniques.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide feedback.

Skills

Staff leadership

Menu costing

Menu creation

Food safety HACCP

Event catering

Budget control

Operations management

Communication

Education

Formal culinary qualification

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Lead Banqueting Chef to orchestrate banqueting and event catering operations in George, Western Cape. You will design menus, lead a kitchen brigade, and ensure top-tier food quality, hygiene, and client satisfaction for high-profile events.

You will mentor staff, drive culinary innovation, and manage costs while maintaining outstanding service in a fast-paced setting. Evening/weekend flexibility is required as events dictate schedules.