Remote Culinary Director - Catering

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary & bonus

Fully remote

Home office allowance

Health insurance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Culinary Director to lead the creative direction and culinary excellence of national catering operations. This fully remote role manages distributed teams across locations, including Stellenbosch, from a home office.

You will craft cutting-edge menus, set quality standards, and drive culinary innovation to deliver exceptional dining experiences. The ideal candidate has deep experience in high-end catering, strong leadership, and a strategic mindset to shape the

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in senior culinary leadership roles.
• Proven ability to manage remote culinary teams.
• Strong track record in menu development and cost management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive culinary strategy that aligns with the brand and business objectives.
• Create and refine innovative, seasonal menus that cater to diverse tastes and dietary requirements.
• Establish and maintain rigorous quality control standards for food preparation, presentation, and execution across all events.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of remote chefs and culinary professionals, fostering creativity and continuous improvement.
• Manage food costs, supplier relationships, and procurement processes to optimize profitability and ensure access to high-quality ingredients.
• Stay abreast of culinary trends and industry best practices to ensure the client remains at the forefront of the catering industry.

Skills

Executive leadership

Remote team leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Tools

Inventory management software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an innovative and visionary Remote Culinary Director to lead the creative direction and culinary excellence of their national catering operations. This is a fully remote position, requiring you to manage and inspire culinary teams across various locations, including those serving the Stellenbosch region, from your own home office. You will be responsible for developing cutting-edge menus, setting quality standards, driving culinary innovation, and ensuring a consistently exceptional dining experience for all clients. The ideal candidate possesses a deep passion for food, extensive experience in high-end catering, and strong leadership capabilities to guide a distributed culinary workforce. This is a strategic role to shape the future of our client's culinary offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive culinary strategy that aligns with the company's brand and business objectives.
• Create and refine innovative, seasonal menus that cater to diverse tastes and dietary requirements, setting the standard for excellence.
• Establish and maintain rigorous quality control standards for food preparation, presentation, and execution across all events.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of remote chefs and culinary professionals, fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement.
• Manage food costs, supplier relationships, and procurement processes to optimize profitability and ensure access to high-quality ingredients.
• Stay abreast of culinary trends, techniques, and industry best practices to ensure our client remains at the forefront of the catering industry.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in a senior culinary leadership role , such as Executive Chef or Culinary Director, preferably within large-scale catering operations.
• A strong portfolio showcasing creative menu development and a deep understanding of diverse cuisines.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate remote culinary teams effectively.
• Expertise in food cost management, inventory control, and supplier negotiation.
• Exceptional understanding of food safety, sanitation, and relevant industry regulations.
• A refined palate and a passion for delivering extraordinary dining experiences nationwide.

Benefits

• Highly attractive executive salary and comprehensive bonus structure.
• Full remote work flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere.
• Allowance for home office setup and professional development.
• Executive-level health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• The opportunity to significantly impact the culinary direction of a leading catering company.