Senior Culinary Operations Lead

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional growth and culinary skill

Employee discounts on catering

Paid leave and statutory benefits

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, Free State, seeks a Senior Culinary Operations Lead to oversee the entire culinary production for high-volume events. You will lead chefs and kitchen staff, drive innovative menu development, and ensure top standards of food quality, safety, and presentation on-site.

The role requires strong leadership, extensive catering experience, and an ability to manage costs and timelines under pressure.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in a senior culinary or kitchen management role.
• Proven expertise in menu development, food prep techniques, and event presentation.
• Strong leadership and ability to motivate kitchen staff.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety standards and health regulations.
• Experience in inventory management, cost control, and budgeting for kitchen operations.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple orders, and meet deadlines.
• Passion for food, creativity, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all culinary operations including menu planning, food prep, quality control, and staff supervision.
• Develop innovative menus catering to diverse client needs, considering seasonality and trends.
• Ensure highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation for all events.
• Manage kitchen inventory, procure ingredients, and oversee supplier relationships for cost-effectiveness.
• Maintain strict adherence to health, safety and sanitation regulations.
• Train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff to foster a positive work environment.
• Collaborate with event managers and clients to understand requirements and ensure successful execution.
• Control food costs and manage kitchen budgets to maximize profitability.
• Implement and refine procedures to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Stay updated on new culinary techniques and trends to enhance menus.

Skills

Menu development

Leadership

Food safety

Inventory management

Cost control

Team management

Catering/hospitality experience

Communication skills

Education

Culinary qualification or apprenticeship

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned catering and event services company based in Bloemfontein, Free State , is seeking a highly skilled and creative Senior Culinary Operations Lead. This pivotal role is responsible for overseeing the entire culinary production process, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and safety across all events. You will lead a team of talented chefs and kitchen staff, driving innovation in menu development and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of culinary arts, extensive experience in high-volume catering, and exceptional leadership capabilities. This is an on-site role critical to maintaining our reputation for exceptional food and service.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of culinary operations, including menu planning, food preparation, quality control, and kitchen staff supervision.
• Develop innovative and appealing menus that cater to diverse client needs and preferences, considering seasonality and current culinary trends.
• Ensure the highest standards of food quality, taste, and presentation for all catered events.
• Manage kitchen inventory, procurement of ingredients, and supplier relationships to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality.
• Maintain strict adherence to all health, safety, and sanitation regulations within the kitchen environment.
• Train, mentor, and develop kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Collaborate closely with event managers and clients to understand culinary requirements and ensure successful execution.
• Control food costs and manage kitchen budgets effectively to maximize profitability.
• Implement and refine operational procedures to improve efficiency and reduce waste.
• Stay abreast of new culinary techniques, ingredients, and industry trends, incorporating them into menu offerings.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior culinary or kitchen management role, preferably within the catering or hospitality industry.
• Proven expertise in menu development, food preparation techniques, and presentation for a variety of events.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate kitchen staff.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety standards and health regulations.
• Experience in inventory management, cost control, and budget management for a kitchen operation.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple orders simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines.
• A passion for food, creativity, and a keen eye for detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A relevant culinary qualification or apprenticeship is highly desirable.
• Flexibility to work demanding hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as required by event schedules in Bloemfontein, Free State .

Benefits

• A competitive salary with potential for performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional growth and culinary skill development.
• The chance to work with a creative and dynamic team on diverse events.
• Employee discounts on catering services.
• A supportive work environment that values culinary excellence.
• Paid leave and statutory benefits.