Remote Culinary Director

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Home office setup support

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Remote Culinary Director for a leading bespoke catering group. This role leads culinary strategy from a remote-first stance, defining menus, standards, and a global culinary identity across projects.

You will manage dispersed chefs and culinary professionals, collaborate with sales and events, ensure food safety and cost control, and create scalable remote recipes that travel well and delight clients.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in a senior culinary leadership role (Executive Chef/Culinary Director) in catering or hospitality.
• Expertise in menu engineering, food costing, and operations management.
• Strong understanding of global cuisines, dietary needs, and food presentation.
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and manage remote teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain the culinary vision and standards for all catering events and services.
• Design, develop, and refine high-quality menus reflecting trends and client expectations.
• Lead and mentor a dispersed team of chefs remotely, fostering innovation and growth.
• Collaborate with sales and event teams to present bespoke culinary solutions to clients.
• Ensure rigorous adherence to food safety, hygiene, and quality control across operations.
• Manage food costs, inventory, and supplier relationships to optimize profitability.
• Conduct virtual culinary training sessions and workshops for the team.
• Oversee development of new recipes and techniques scalable for remote execution.

Skills

Leadership

Menu engineering

Food costing

Remote team leadership

Strategic thinking

Excellent communication

Education

Culinary Arts degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Slack

Zoom

Trello

Culinary software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading name in the bespoke catering industry, is actively seeking a visionary Remote Culinary Director to spearhead their culinary operations from a remote-first standpoint. This critical role demands a seasoned professional with a profound passion for gastronomy and a proven ability to lead and innovate within a virtual framework. The Culinary Director will be responsible for defining and elevating the company's culinary identity, developing groundbreaking menus, and ensuring exceptional quality and consistency across all delivered projects. The successful candidate will not only bring creative flair but also strong strategic thinking and leadership capabilities to guide our dispersed culinary teams. This is an unparalleled opportunity to influence the direction of a prestigious catering brand while enjoying the ultimate flexibility of a fully remote position, contributing to a legacy of exceptional dining experiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain the culinary vision and standards for all catering events and services.
• Design, develop, and refine creative, high-quality menus that reflect current trends and client expectations.
• Lead and mentor a diverse team of chefs and culinary professionals remotely, fostering innovation and professional growth.
• Collaborate with sales and event management teams to conceptualize and present bespoke culinary solutions to clients.
• Ensure rigorous adherence to food safety, hygiene, and quality control protocols across all culinary operations.
• Manage overall food costs, inventory, and supplier relationships to optimize profitability and sustainability.
• Conduct virtual culinary training sessions and workshops for the team.
• Oversee the development of new recipes and culinary techniques, ensuring they are scalable for remote execution.
• Stay informed about global culinary trends, ingredient sourcing, and sustainable practices.
• Contribute to marketing and brand development by showcasing culinary expertise through digital platforms.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (7+ years) in a senior culinary leadership role, such as Executive Chef, Culinary Director, or equivalent, preferably within the catering or hospitality sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu engineering, food costing, and operational management.
• Exceptional palate and a deep understanding of global cuisines, dietary needs, and food presentation.
• Proven ability to lead, inspire, and manage remote teams effectively.
• Outstanding communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, adaptable to virtual environments.
• Proficiency with digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Trello) and culinary software.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• A degree in Culinary Arts or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in managing large-scale budgets and supplier contracts.
• Commitment to upholding the highest standards of food safety and sanitation.

Benefits

• This role comes with a highly competitive salary, extensive benefits package, and the profound advantage of working from anywhere. Our client is committed to fostering a positive remote work culture and provides ample opportunities for career advancement and skill enhancement. You will be part of an innovative and respected organization that values culinary artistry and operational excellence.
• Support for home office setup and professional development resources are provided.
• Enjoy a dynamic career path where your creativity and leadership directly shape the future of our client's catering endeavors.