Senior Culinary Operations Manager

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid sick leave

Leave entitlement

Development opportunities

Modern kitchen tools

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Culinary Operations Manager to lead catering operations in Pretoria and surrounding regions. The role balances on-site oversight with strategic remote planning, driving culinary quality, cost control and client satisfaction.

You will manage kitchen teams, develop menus, enforce HACCP standards and collaborate with sales to deliver exceptional events. A strong leadership background and culinary degree are highly valued for this hybrid position.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in professional culinary arts and catering operations management.
• Experience in menu costing, development and execution for diverse events.
• Strong leadership to manage and motivate kitchen teams.
• Knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP preferred).
• Excellent budget control and inventory management.
• Effective communication with clients, suppliers and staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations for catering events, ensuring quality, presentation and taste standards.
• Lead kitchen staff: hiring, training, scheduling and evaluations.
• Develop menus with clients and culinary team for diverse Pretoria events.
• Enforce food safety, hygiene and sanitation protocols across kitchens.
• Control costs, manage inventory and optimize purchasing for profitability.
• Collaborate with event planning and sales teams for seamless execution.
• Conduct remote quality checks and guide kitchen teams in hybrid model.
• Negotiate with suppliers and ensure timely delivery of ingredients.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Costing / budgeting

Food safety / HACCP

Team management

Vendor relations

Communication

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a distinguished leader in the South African hospitality sector, renowned for its exceptional catering services and innovative culinary experiences across Pretoria and surrounding regions. We are seeking a highly skilled and results-oriented Senior Culinary Operations Manager to join our esteemed team. This hybrid role requires a dynamic leader who can effectively balance on-site operational oversight with strategic remote planning and management. You will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of culinary quality, operational efficiency, and client satisfaction. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in professional kitchens, extensive experience in managing catering operations, and a proven ability to lead and inspire culinary teams. This position involves significant interaction with clients, suppliers, and internal teams, requiring excellent communication and leadership skills. You will play a crucial role in driving culinary innovation, managing costs, and upholding our client's reputation for excellence in the competitive Pretoria market. Embrace this opportunity to shape the future of our culinary offerings in a flexible, hybrid work environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations for catering events, ensuring consistent quality, presentation, and taste standards are met.
• Manage kitchen staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Develop and refine menus in collaboration with clients and the culinary team, catering to diverse tastes and dietary requirements prevalent in Pretoria .
• Implement and enforce stringent food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols across all kitchen operations.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and optimize purchasing to ensure profitability and minimize waste.
• Collaborate effectively with event planning and sales teams to ensure seamless execution of catering services.
• Conduct remote quality checks and provide strategic direction to kitchen teams as part of the hybrid model.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality ingredients.
• Drive culinary innovation by researching new techniques, ingredients, and menu trends.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in professional culinary arts and catering operations management, with at least 4 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Proven experience in menu development, costing, and execution for diverse events.
• Strong leadership abilities with a demonstrated capacity to manage and motivate culinary teams.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP preferred) and kitchen hygiene practices.
• Excellent financial management skills, including budget control and inventory management.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to multitask effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage clients and staff professionally.
• Comfortable and effective working in a hybrid model, managing remote communication and on-site supervision.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering a balance between remote strategic work and on-site operations.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous leave entitlement and paid sick leave.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and culinary training.
• Access to a well-equipped kitchen and modern culinary tools.
• Positive and collaborative work culture in Pretoria .