Senior Culinary Operations Manager

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Premium ingredients and modern kitchen

Professional growth opportunities

High-profile event experiences

Job summary

Placements24 in Stellenbosch, Western Cape, is seeking a Senior Culinary Operations Manager to oversee all facets of culinary operations for premium catering and events. You will lead menu design, kitchen management, quality control and team leadership, driving excellence in service and cuisine.

You will apply strong financial acumen for cost control and work with premium ingredients and innovative techniques to elevate our client's reputation for exceptional food and service at high-profile

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in senior culinary management in catering or high-volume hospitality.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Proven track record in kitchen management and team leadership.
• Expertise in costing, inventory, and financial control.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all culinary operations for efficiency and profitability.
• Develop innovative, high-quality menus for diverse events.
• Oversee kitchen staff: recruitment, training, scheduling, evaluations.
• Enforce food safety, sanitation, hygiene standards.
• Manage food and labor costs, optimize budgets.
• Maintain supplier relationships for timely, quality ingredients.
• Collaborate with sales and event planning teams to meet client needs.
• Drive continuous improvement in culinary processes and service.
• Ensure consistent presentation and quality of all dishes.

Skills

Leadership

Cost management

Menu engineering

Quality control

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leader in gourmet catering and event services in Stellenbosch, Western Cape , is seeking an experienced and visionary Senior Culinary Operations Manager . This demanding role requires a seasoned professional to oversee all aspects of the culinary operations, from menu creation and kitchen management to quality control and team leadership. You will be instrumental in maintaining and elevating our client's reputation for exceptional food and service, working with premium ingredients and innovative techniques. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of high-end catering, strong financial acumen for cost management, and the ability to inspire and lead a talented culinary team. This is a significant opportunity to make a substantial impact on a well-respected brand in the heart of the winelands.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all culinary operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and profitability.
• Lead the development of innovative and high-quality menus for diverse events.
• Oversee kitchen staff, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Implement and enforce rigorous food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
• Manage food and labor costs, optimizing budgets without compromising quality.
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of quality ingredients.
• Collaborate with sales and event planning teams to meet client needs and exceed expectations.
• Drive continuous improvement in culinary processes and service delivery.
• Ensure consistent presentation and quality of all dishes served.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior culinary management role, preferably in catering or high-volume hospitality.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Proven track record of successful kitchen management and team leadership.
• Expertise in menu engineering, costing, inventory management, and financial control.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations (e.g., HACCP) and best practices.
• Exceptional culinary skills and a passion for innovative cuisine.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a demanding, fast-paced environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to lead a talented and passionate culinary team.
• Access to premium ingredients and state-of-the‑art kitchen facilities.
• Be a key player in delivering exceptional experiences for high-profile events.
• Professional development and growth opportunities within a respected organization.
• Contribute to the vibrant culinary scene of Stellenbosch.