Senior Event Chef

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Lead culinary excellence

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Event Chef in the Western Cape region to lead the culinary team, design exceptional menus, and oversee food preparation for weddings, corporate events, and private functions.

The role combines on-site event management with remote administrative duties, demanding strong leadership, communication, and strategic cost control in a high-volume catering environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years as a Chef in a high-volume catering or fine dining environment.
• At least 3 years in a senior or supervisory role.
• Proven expertise in menu development and food costing.
• Strong leadership and communication abilities.
• Understanding health, safety and sanitation standards in food service.
• Hybrid role balancing on-site and remote tasks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the culinary team, overseeing all aspects of food preparation and execution for events.
• Design innovative and appealing menus, considering client preferences, dietary needs, and seasonal ingredients.
• Ensure the highest standards of food quality, taste, and presentation are consistently met.
• Manage kitchen operations, including inventory control, ordering, and waste reduction.
• Conduct food tastings and menu presentations for clients.
• Oversee on-site food preparation and service during events, ensuring seamless execution.
• Maintain HACCP compliance and safety standards across events.
• Collaborate with event planners and sales teams to meet client expectations.
• Manage food costs and contribute to event profitability.
• Stay updated on culinary trends and implement new techniques.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food costing

Team management

HACCP compliance

Client communication

Education

Culinary degree

Tools

Menu planning software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected catering company in the picturesque Paarl, Western Cape, ZA region, is seeking a talented and experienced Senior Event Chef. This role operates on a hybrid model, combining creative culinary work with on-site event management and remote administrative duties. You will be responsible for leading the culinary team, designing exceptional menus, overseeing food preparation and presentation, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and taste at all events. The ideal candidate will possess a strong passion for food, advanced culinary skills, and proven experience in event catering. This position requires strong leadership, excellent communication, and the ability to manage a team effectively in a dynamic environment. You will play a key role in maintaining and enhancing our client's reputation for delivering unforgettable gastronomic experiences for weddings, corporate events, and private functions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the culinary team, overseeing all aspects of food preparation and execution for events.


• Design innovative and appealing menus, considering client preferences, dietary needs, and seasonal ingredients.


• Ensure the highest standards of food quality, taste, and presentation are consistently met.


• Manage kitchen operations, including inventory control, ordering, and waste reduction.


• Conduct food tastings and menu presentations for clients.


• Oversee on-site food preparation and service during events, ensuring seamless execution.


• Maintain strict adherence to all health, safety, and hygiene regulations (HACCP).


• Collaborate with event planners and sales teams to meet client expectations.


• Manage food costs effectively and contribute to overall event profitability.


• Stay abreast of culinary trends and implement new techniques and ideas.


• Perform administrative tasks related to menu costing, ordering, and team scheduling, utilizing both on-site and remote capabilities.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of experience as a Chef in a high-volume catering or fine dining environment, with at least 3 years in a senior or supervisory role.


• Proven expertise in menu development, food costing, and kitchen management.


• Exceptional culinary skills, creativity, and a passion for presentation.


• Strong leadership, team management, and communication abilities.


• Understanding of health, safety, and sanitation standards in food service.


• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site responsibilities with remote tasks.


• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as dictated by event schedules.


• Proficiency in relevant software for menu planning and management.


• A culinary degree or equivalent qualification is highly desirable.


• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and reside in or near Paarl, Western Cape, ZA.

Benefits

• An annual salary of R .


• Hybrid work arrangement offering a blend of flexibility and hands-on involvement.


• Opportunity to lead culinary excellence for a prestigious catering company.


• Professional growth and development opportunities.


• Work within a creative and supportive team environment.


• Be part of significant events in the beautiful Western Cape region.