Senior Event Chef

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Creative culinary expression

Professional training and development

Medical aid and provident fund

Staff meals provided during shifts

Dynamic and growing catering business

Passionate and dedicated team

Job summary

Placements24 in Tembisa, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Event Chef to lead the culinary team, design menus, and execute high‑quality dishes for events while upholding rigorous hygiene standards.

The ideal candidate has a culinary degree, 7+ years in professional kitchens with at least 3 years as a Senior/Head Chef in banqueting or event catering, strong leadership, costing, and HACCP knowledge.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional certification.
• 7+ years in professional kitchens; 3+ years in Senior/Head Chef, banqueting or event catering.
• Exceptional culinary skills across techniques and international cuisines.
• Proven leadership of a kitchen team.
• Strong knowledge of food costing, inventory control and waste reduction.
• Excellent HACCP and food safety regulatory knowledge.
• Flexible hours including evenings and weekends for events.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute innovative menus for events.
• Oversee all food prep, cooking, and presentation.
• Mentor kitchen brigade to high performance.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
• Control kitchen costs; manage inventory, purchasing, and waste.
• Collaborate with catering manager and event planners.
• Conduct taste testing and quality control.
• Develop SOPs for kitchen operations.
• Stay updated on culinary trends and incorporate them into menus.
• Ensure efficient workflow and timely prep for events in Tembisa, Gauteng.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food presentation

HACCP compliance

Costing & inventory

Staff mentoring

Communication

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned catering company based in **Tembisa, Gauteng**, is looking for a talented and creative Senior Event Chef to lead their culinary team. This role involves conceptualizing, preparing, and executing high-quality dishes for a wide array of events, ensuring exceptional taste, presentation, and adherence to dietary requirements. The Senior Event Chef will play a crucial role in menu development, kitchen management, and maintaining the highest standards of food hygiene and safety. This position demands a strong passion for gastronomy, innovative thinking, and the ability to perform under pressure in a dynamic catering environment. The ideal candidate will be a culinary artist with proven leadership skills and a commitment to delivering unforgettable dining experiences for clients throughout **Tembisa, Gauteng**. You will be instrumental in shaping the culinary direction of our events and ensuring client satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute innovative menus for various events, considering client preferences and seasonal availability.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation in the kitchen.
• Manage and mentor the kitchen brigade, ensuring high performance and professional development.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
• Control kitchen costs, including food inventory, purchasing, and waste management.
• Collaborate with the catering manager and event planners to ensure seamless event execution.
• Conduct taste testing and quality control for all dishes.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures for kitchen operations.
• Stay updated on culinary trends and incorporate them into menu offerings.
• Ensure efficient workflow and timely preparation of all menu items for events in **Tembisa, Gauteng**.

Requirements

• Culinary degree or equivalent professional certification.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in professional kitchens, with at least 3 years in a Senior Chef or Head Chef role, preferably in banqueting or event catering.
• Exceptional culinary skills and a deep understanding of various cooking techniques and international cuisines.
• Proven ability to lead and manage a kitchen team.
• Strong knowledge of food costing, inventory control, and waste reduction strategies.
• Excellent understanding of HACCP and food safety regulations.
• Creative flair and passion for delivering high-quality, visually appealing food.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by events in **Tembisa, Gauteng**.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and potential for performance incentives.
• Opportunities for creative culinary expression and menu development.
• Access to professional training and development programs.
• Contributory medical aid and provident fund.
• Work in a dynamic and growing catering business in **Tembisa, Gauteng**.
• Staff meals provided during shifts.
• Chance to work with a passionate and dedicated team.