Senior Banqueting Chef

Placements24; Kempton Park; Hybrid; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Diverse high-profile events

Supportive team environment

Career advancement opportunities

Access to modern facilities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Banqueting Chef in Gauteng to lead a kitchen team for large-scale banquets, ensuring culinary excellence and flawless presentation for diverse client events.

You will oversee menu development, cost control, HACCP compliance, and staff mentoring, while coordinating with event planners to deliver memorable experiences in a fast-paced environment. The role is based in Tembisa and requires flexible shifts.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–4 years in banqueting or large-scale catering.
• Proven kitchen team and operations management.
• Strong food safety, hygiene, and presentation standards.
• Ability to manage costs, inventory and supplier relations.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate food prep for banquets and events.
• Assist with menu development for large-scale catering needs.
• Mentor junior chefs and kitchen staff.
• Oversee inventory, ordering, and stock rotation to control costs.
• Ensure health, safety and hygiene regulations are met (HACCP).
• Maintain consistent food quality and presentation across dishes.
• Collaborate with event planners and front-of-house staff.
• Lead kitchen operations during Executive Chef absence.
• Contribute to tastings and client consultations as required.
• Manage cost controls and supplier relationships.

Skills

Team management

Culinary techniques

Food safety

HACCP knowledge

Cost control

Leadership

Organizational skills

Education

Formal culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading catering service provider in Tembisa, Gauteng , is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Banqueting Chef to join their esteemed team. This role is crucial for the successful execution of large-scale banquets and events, ensuring culinary excellence and client satisfaction. You will be responsible for leading a team of chefs and kitchen staff, managing food preparation, and maintaining the highest standards of quality and presentation. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to memorable culinary experiences for a wide array of clients and events. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of banqueting operations, a passion for innovative cuisine, and strong leadership capabilities within the demanding Tembisa environment. We are committed to delivering exceptional service and are looking for a chef who shares this vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate the preparation and cooking of food for banquets and events of varying sizes.
• Assist the Executive Chef in menu development, focusing on banqueting and large-scale catering needs.
• Manage and mentor junior chefs and kitchen assistants, ensuring efficient workflow and skill development.
• Oversee inventory, ordering of supplies, and stock rotation to control costs and minimize waste.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations in the kitchen.
• Maintain consistent food quality and presentation standards across all dishes.
• Collaborate effectively with event planners and front-of-house staff to ensure seamless event execution.
• Implement and enforce strict hygiene protocols and HACCP principles.
• Contribute to menu tastings and client consultations as required.
• Manage kitchen operations during the absence of the Executive Chef.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3-4 years of experience in a similar role, preferably within banqueting or large-scale catering.
• Proven experience in managing kitchen teams and operations.
• Solid understanding of culinary techniques, food safety standards, and hygiene practices.
• Ability to manage food costs, inventory, and supplier relationships.
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• A passion for food quality and creative presentation.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings and weekends, as required by event schedules.
• Familiarity with the catering industry in the Gauteng region is advantageous.
• A formal culinary qualification is preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting experience and skills.
• Opportunity to work with a diverse range of high-profile events.
• A supportive and professional working atmosphere.
• Potential for career advancement within the company.
• Access to excellent facilities and resources.
• Be part of a respected and growing catering organization.