Senior Culinary Production Manager

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career advancement

Professional development

Quality-focused culture

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Senior Culinary Production Manager for our client in Paarl, Western Cape, South Africa. The role leads high-volume kitchen production, ensures quality, safety, and cost efficiency, and mentors a skilled kitchen team.

The position requires extensive culinary leadership, strong HACCP knowledge, and hands-on management. You will oversee scheduling, inventory, and supplier relations to support catering operations and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years in culinary operations with at least 4 years in a management role
• Proven track record in managing high-volume food production environments
• In-depth knowledge of HACCP and food safety practices
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills
• Formal culinary training or relevant degree is highly desirable

Responsibilities

• Direct all aspects of daily food production to ensure efficiency and quality.
• Develop and implement production schedules to meet demand and minimize waste.
• Oversee inventory management including procurement, receiving, storage and stock rotation.
• Control food costs via menu engineering, portion control and waste reduction.
• Lead, train and mentor kitchen staff with a focus on performance and safety.
• Enforce HACCP and sanitation standards across the kitchen operations.
• Monitor quality and consistency of all food products and outputs.
• Manage kitchen equipment maintenance and safe operation.
• Collaborate with procurement to source reliable suppliers.
• Analyze production data to identify cost-saving opportunities and improvements.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Food safety HACCP

Inventory control

Cost management

High-volume production

Staff training

Cooking operations

Education

Formal culinary training

Tools

Culinary software

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading food service provider, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Culinary Production Manager to oversee and optimize their kitchen operations in Paarl, Western Cape . This critical role focuses on ensuring the efficient, high-quality, and safe production of food for a variety of catering services. You will be responsible for managing production schedules, controlling inventory and costs, leading the kitchen brigade, and maintaining stringent quality control measures. The ideal candidate possesses extensive culinary experience, strong leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of large-scale food production, cost management, and food safety regulations. This role demands a hands-on approach and a commitment to operational excellence within the dynamic culinary landscape of the Paarl, Western Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and direct all aspects of daily food production, ensuring efficiency, quality, and adherence to specifications.
• Develop and implement production schedules to meet demand while minimizing waste and maximizing resource utilization.
• Oversee inventory management, including procurement, receiving, storage, and stock rotation.
• Control food costs through effective menu engineering, portion control, and waste reduction strategies.
• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a culture of high performance, teamwork, and safety.
• Implement and enforce strict adherence to all food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards (HACCP).
• Monitor and maintain the quality and consistency of all food products prepared.
• Manage kitchen equipment maintenance and ensure a safe working environment.
• Collaborate with the procurement team to establish and maintain relationships with reliable suppliers.
• Analyze production data and identify opportunities for operational improvements and cost savings.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in culinary operations, with at least 4 years in a management role (e.g., Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, Production Manager).
• Proven track record in managing high-volume food production environments.
• Strong understanding of inventory control, cost management, and financial reporting.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP) and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Proficiency in culinary software and standard office applications.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• A hands-on approach and a commitment to quality and excellence.
• Formal culinary training or a relevant degree is highly desirable.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings and weekends, as operational needs dictate.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead and innovate within a significant culinary operation.
• Professional development and training programs.
• Be part of a respected company with a strong commitment to quality.
• Work in the picturesque setting of Paarl, Western Cape.
• Potential for career advancement.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Contribute to the creation of exceptional culinary experiences.