Senior Catering Chef

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health benefits

Generous annual leave

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Welkom is seeking a Senior Catering Chef to lead culinary operations, design exquisite menus, oversee food preparation, and uphold top standards for events. You will mentor the kitchen brigade, manage costs, and collaborate with catering management to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in high-volume catering, strong leadership, and a passion for gastronomy.

Qualifications

• Extensive chef experience, especially in high-volume catering or banqueting.
• Proven expertise in menu development and food presentation.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Ability to manage multiple events under pressure.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and execute innovative menus for client requirements and events.
• Lead, train, and inspire the kitchen team for efficient workflow and high culinary standards.
• Manage kitchen operations including procurement, inventory, and waste control.
• Maintain impeccable standards of food safety, hygiene, and sanitation.
• Collaborate on event planning, tastings, and menu adjustments.
• Control food costs and labor expenses while preserving margins.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

High-volume catering

Food safety compliance

Team management

Pressure handling

Culinary qualification

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and creative Senior Catering Chef to lead their culinary operations in Welkom . This is a hands‑on role where you will be responsible for designing exquisite menus, overseeing food preparation, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and presentation for a diverse range of events. You will mentor and manage the kitchen brigade, control food costs, and collaborate closely with the catering management team to deliver exceptional dining experiences. The ideal candidate possesses a deep passion for gastronomy and a proven track record of culinary excellence in high-volume catering environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and execute innovative menus tailored to various client requirements and event themes.
• Lead, train, and inspire the kitchen team, ensuring efficient workflow and high standards of culinary artistry.
• Manage all aspects of kitchen operations, including food procurement, inventory control, and waste reduction.
• Maintain impeccable standards of food safety, hygiene, and sanitation in the kitchen.
• Collaborate with the catering team on event planning, client tastings, and menu adjustments.
• Control food costs and labor expenses effectively while maintaining profit margins.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a Chef , with a significant portion in a high-volume catering or banqueting setting.
• Exceptional culinary skills and a creative flair for menu development and presentation.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple demanding events simultaneously.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Opportunity to showcase culinary talent on prestigious events in the Free State .
• Comprehensive health benefits package.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• A dynamic kitchen environment with opportunities for professional growth and creativity.