Senior Event Chef

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Hybrid work arrangement

Coastal setting with access to quality

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Mossel Bay is seeking a Senior Event Chef to lead a culinary team and deliver exceptional menus for diverse events. You will develop concepts, supervise on-site cooking, and coordinate with event staff in a hybrid role combining hands-on kitchen work with remote planning.

The role emphasizes fine dining, innovation, cost control, food safety, and mentoring junior chefs. Flexible hours and coastal setting offer a unique opportunity to shape memorable gastronomic experiences in

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of proven experience in event catering or high-volume banqueting.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Exceptional culinary skills, creativity, and knowledge of various cuisines.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards (e.g., HACCP) and kitchen management best practices.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience in managing and motivating a kitchen team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise and collaborate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Proficiency in inventory management, cost control, and budget administration.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Experience in a hybrid work environment, demonstrating strong self-management and remote collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute innovative and high-quality menus tailored to various event types and client preferences.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation, ensuring consistency and excellence.
• Manage kitchen operations, including inventory control, stock rotation, ordering, and waste reduction.
• Lead, train, and supervise kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards and regulations.
• Collaborate with event managers and clients to understand specific needs and dietary requirements.
• Control food costs and manage kitchen budgets effectively, maximizing profitability while maintaining quality.
• Maintain professional relationships with suppliers, ensuring timely delivery of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Participate in on-site event execution, providing culinary leadership and ensuring smooth service flow.
• Contribute to the development of new catering packages and service offerings.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious catering service provider in the scenic Mossel Bay region, is actively seeking a highly skilled and creative Senior Event Chef. This role is pivotal in ensuring the delivery of exceptional culinary experiences for a diverse range of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions. You will be at the forefront of menu development, food preparation, and kitchen management, working within a dynamic hybrid model that combines essential on-site presence with flexible remote planning and administrative tasks. The ideal candidate possesses a passion for fine dining, a flair for innovation, and a strong commitment to upholding the highest standards of quality and hygiene. As a Senior Event Chef, you will lead a dedicated culinary team, mentor junior chefs, and collaborate closely with event coordinators to translate client visions into memorable gastronomic realities. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a thriving coastal community, contributing to the success of unforgettable events.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, design, and execute innovative and high-quality menus tailored to various event types and client preferences.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation, ensuring consistency and excellence.
• Manage kitchen operations, including inventory control, stock rotation, ordering, and waste reduction.
• Lead, train, and supervise kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards and regulations.
• Collaborate with event managers and clients to understand specific needs and dietary requirements.
• Control food costs and manage kitchen budgets effectively, maximizing profitability while maintaining quality.
• Maintain professional relationships with suppliers, ensuring the timely delivery of fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Participate in on-site event execution, providing culinary leadership and ensuring smooth service flow.
• Contribute to the development of new catering packages and service offerings.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience as a Chef, with a significant focus on event catering or high-volume banqueting.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification from a recognized institution.
• Exceptional culinary skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of various cooking techniques and cuisines.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards (e.g., HACCP) and kitchen management best practices.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience in managing and motivating a kitchen team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaren and collaborate effectively with clients and colleagues.
• Proficiency in inventory management, cost control, and budget administration.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as dictated by event schedules.
• Experience in a hybrid work environment, demonstrating strong self-management and remote collaboration skills.
• Must be physically capable of standing for extended periods and performing tasks typical of a professional kitchen environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Opportunity to showcase culinary talent in a beautiful coastal setting.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering a balance between on-site and flexible remote work.
• Access to high-quality ingredients and state-of-the-art kitchen facilities.
• Professional growth and development opportunities within a respected catering company.