Senior Event Chef

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

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary and incentives

Ongoing training and development

Exposure to prestigious events around

Provident fund and medical aid support

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Senior Event Chef to design bespoke menus, lead a brigade of cooks, and ensure outstanding food quality, presentation and safety at events from intimate gatherings to large corporate functions.

You will manage kitchen operations and costs, mentor staff, collaborate with the events team, and stay abreast of trends to deliver exceptional experiences at venues around Cape Town.

Qualifications

• 5+ years progressive experience as a Chef, with at least 2 years in a Senior Chef or Sous Chef role within catering or high-end hospitality.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu creation, food styling, and event presentation.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety protocols and HACCP.
• Excellent understanding of kitchen operations, inventory management and cost control.
• Proficiency in various cooking techniques and cuisines.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple events.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute innovative menus for diverse client needs and themes.
• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff and commis chefs.
• Manage kitchen operations, including inventory, prep, cooking and plating.
• Maintain high hygiene and HACCP compliance.
• Collaborate with events planning to ensure on-site execution.
• Control food costs and minimize waste.
• Source high-quality ingredients from local suppliers.
• Oversee presentation of all dishes to meet client standards.
• Stay updated on current culinary trends and techniques.

Skills

Menu design

Food styling

Presentation

Leadership

HACCP

Inventory management

Cost control

Cooking techniques

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished catering service provider based in the picturesque city of Cape Town, is seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Event Chef. This role is crucial for delivering exceptional culinary experiences at a wide array of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions and weddings. The ideal candidate will be a creative force, capable of designing exquisite menus, leading a brigade of talented chefs, and ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and safety. You will play a key role in shaping our client's culinary reputation and driving client satisfaction through your expertise and dedication. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the vibrant culinary scene in Cape Town, Western Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute innovative and diverse menus that cater to various client needs, dietary restrictions, and event themes.
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of kitchen staff and commis chefs, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to quality standards.
• Manage kitchen operations, including inventory control, food preparation, cooking, and plating, ensuring consistency and excellence.
• Maintain impeccable standards of hygiene, food safety, and sanitation in the kitchen environment, complying with all relevant regulations.
• Collaborate closely with the events planning team to understand event requirements and ensure seamless culinary execution on-site.
• Manage food costs effectively, optimize resource utilization, and minimize waste.
• Source high-quality ingredients, building relationships with local suppliers and producers.
• Oversee the preparation and presentation of all dishes, ensuring they meet our client's high standards.
• Stay abreast of current culinary trends and techniques, incorporating them into menu offerings where appropriate.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience as a Chef, with at least 2 years in a Senior Chef or Sous Chef role within the catering or high-end hospitality sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in menu creation, food styling, and presentation for events.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide kitchen staff.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety protocols and HACCP principles.
• Excellent understanding of kitchen operations, including inventory management and cost control.
• Proficiency in various cooking techniques and cuisines.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Culinary qualification from a recognized institution is highly desirable.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, is essential for event-based work in Cape Town.

Benefits

• Attractive annual salary, reflecting your experience and expertise.
• Performance incentives and opportunities for bonuses.
• Access to ongoing training and professional development programs.
• Exposure to diverse and prestigious events in and around Cape Town.
• A supportive and creative team environment.
• Contribution towards medical aid and provident fund.