Senior Culinary Chef (Fine Dining)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Lead a talented kitchen team

Creative freedom in menu development

Professional development and training

Staff meals

Uniform provision

Medical aid contribution

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Culinary Chef in Midrand, Gauteng to lead a high-volume fine-dining kitchen on site. The role demands creativity, precision, and strong leadership to deliver exquisite dishes and maintain the restaurant's gastronomic reputation.

You will oversee menu development, kitchen operations, and training while ensuring strict food safety standards and cost controls. The ideal candidate has 7+ years as a chef with 3+ years in a senior role and resides in or can relocate to

Qualifications

• 7+ years experience as a Chef with at least 3 years in a senior or head chef role, preferably fine dining.
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, ingredients, and international cuisines.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire a kitchen team.
• Understand food costing, inventory management, and budget control.
• Health, safety, and sanitation standards in a professional kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Develop creative and seasonal menus and specials.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations including food prep, cooking, and plating.
• Manage and train kitchen staff, fostering a productive environment.
• Control food costs through inventory management and waste reduction.
• Ensure HACCP and other safety regulations are followed.
• Collaborate with management on menu pricing and events.
• Maintain and service kitchen equipment; keep areas clean.
• Experiment with new ingredients and techniques for innovation.
• Conduct performance reviews and identify training needs.
• Uphold high standards of presentation and taste.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Cost control

Staff training

Creative flair

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned fine-dining establishment in Midrand, Gauteng, is seeking an exceptional Senior Culinary Chef to lead their kitchen brigade. This role demands a deep understanding of culinary arts, impeccable presentation skills, and a passion for creating innovative and exquisite dishes. You will be responsible for menu development, kitchen management, staff training, and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and safety. The successful candidate will bring creativity, precision, and strong leadership to a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen environment. This is an on-site position requiring full dedication to the culinary excellence expected at one of Midrand's premier dining destinations. Your expertise will be key in maintaining and enhancing the restaurant's reputation for gastronomic excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop creative and seasonal menus, including specials, ensuring variety and appeal to a discerning clientele.
• Oversee all daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Manage and train kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment while ensuring adherence to culinary standards.
• Control food costs through effective inventory management, purchasing, and waste reduction strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations (HACCP).
• Collaborate with the restaurant management team on menu pricing, promotions, and special events.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure all areas are clean and well-maintained.
• Experiment with new ingredients and techniques to drive culinary innovation.
• Conduct regular performance reviews for kitchen staff and identify training needs.
• Uphold the highest standards of presentation and taste for every dish served.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (7+ years) as a Chef, with at least 3 years in a senior or head chef role, preferably in fine dining.
• Comprehensive knowledge of cooking techniques, ingredients, and international cuisines.
• Proven ability to lead and inspire a kitchen team.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, and budget control.
• Excellent knowledge of health, safety, and sanitation standards in a professional kitchen.
• Creative flair and a passion for culinary excellence.
• Ability to work under pressure in a demanding environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification is highly desirable.
• Reside in or be willing to relocate to the Midrand, Gauteng area for this essential on-site role.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflective of expertise and experience.
• Opportunity to lead a talented kitchen team in a prestigious Midrand restaurant.
• Creative freedom in menu development and culinary innovation.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A dynamic and high-energy work environment.
• Staff meals and uniform provision.Contribution towards medical aid and retirement fund.