Senior Event Chef (Banquet & Conference)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Staff meals

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Event Chef for our client, a renowned event venue and catering company in George, Western Cape. The role requires a hands-on leader to design menus, supervise kitchen operations, and deliver exceptional gastronomic experiences for banquets, private functions, and corporate conferences.

The ideal candidate has at least 7 years of culinary experience, including 3 years in a supervisory role, strong cost and inventory skills, and a passion for quality, hygiene, and

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional culinary experience with 3+ years in supervisory/head chef role.
• Banquet and event cooking expertise with diverse culinary styles.
• Culinary degree or equivalent certification.
• Proven ability to manage and lead a kitchen team.
• Knowledge of food costing, inventory control and waste management.
• Strong health, safety and sanitation knowledge in food service operations.
• Excellent communication and client liaison skills.
• Willingness to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends and public holidays.

Responsibilities

• Design innovative menus for various event types considering seasonality, client preferences, and budget constraints.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation and production for events, ensuring consistency and high quality.
• Manage the kitchen brigade, providing clear direction, training, and motivation to culinary staff.
• Maintain stringent food safety and hygiene standards, ensuring compliance with health regulations.
• Control food costs through inventory management, waste reduction, and supplier negotiation.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to ensure all culinary requirements are met and exceed client expectations.
• Conduct tastings and menu development sessions with clients for bespoke event planning.
• Ensure efficient kitchen operations, including scheduling, workflow optimization, and equipment maintenance.
• Stay abreast of current culinary trends and incorporate them into menu offerings.
• Manage the ordering of ingredients and supplies, building strong relationships with vendors.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food costing

Inventory control

Food safety

Communication

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned event venue and catering company located in scenic George, Western Cape , is actively seeking a talented and experienced Senior Event Chef to spearhead their culinary team. This demanding role requires a creative culinary artist with a passion for delivering exceptional gastronomic experiences for a diverse range of events, including large-scale banquets, intimate private functions, and corporate conferences. The Senior Event Chef will be responsible for menu conceptualization, food preparation, kitchen management, and maintaining the highest standards of quality, presentation, and hygiene. This position is crucial for ensuring the continued success and reputation of our client as a premier event caterer in the George region and beyond. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership abilities, excellent technical culinary skills, and a deep understanding of event catering logistics in the beautiful Western Cape setting. This is a hands‑on role requiring dedication and a commitment to excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Design innovative and appealing menus for various event types, considering seasonality, client preferences, and budget constraints.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation and production for events, ensuring consistency and high quality.
• Manage the kitchen brigade, providing clear direction, training, and motivation to culinary staff.
• Maintain stringent food safety and hygiene standards, ensuring compliance with all health regulations.
• Control food costs through effective inventory management, waste reduction, and supplier negotiation.
• Collaborate closely with the event planning team to ensure all culinary requirements are met and exceed client expectations.
• Conduct tastings and menu development sessions with clients for bespoke event planning.
• Ensure efficient kitchen operations, including scheduling, workflow optimization, and equipment maintenance.
• Stay abreast of current culinary trends and incorporate them into menu offerings where appropriate.
• Manage the ordering of ingredients and supplies, building strong relationships with vendors.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of professional culinary experience, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or Head Chef role within a high-volume catering or hotel environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in banquet and event cooking, with a strong portfolio showcasing diverse culinary styles.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional certification from a recognized institution.
• Proven ability to manage and lead a kitchen team effectively.
• In-depth knowledge of food costing, inventory control, and waste management techniques.
• Excellent understanding of health, safety, and sanitation regulations in food service operations.
• Creative flair, passion for food, and an eye for detail in presentation.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaante effectively with clients and staff.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, based on event schedules in George
• Experience working within the Western Cape event scene is a significant advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, reflective of the candidate's skills and experience, along with benefits such as potential bonuses, staff meals, and opportunities for professional growth. This is an exciting chance to join a well-respected company in the beautiful city of George and contribute to its continued culinary excellence. You'll work in a dynamic environment surrounded by the natural beauty of the Western Cape , leading a passionate kitchen team and creating memorable dining experiences.