Senior Event Chef / Caterer

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Professional development

Prestigious venues

Supportive environment

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Event Chef to lead menu development and on-site kitchen operations for Port Elizabeth events in the Eastern Cape. You will direct food preparation, ensure top-quality presentation, and manage staff across multiple events.

The ideal candidate has a culinary qualification or extensive catering experience, with strong leadership, HACCP knowledge, and the ability to handle high-volume, high-pressure environments.

Qualifications

• Professional culinary qualification or extensive catering experience.
• Minimum 6 years of progressive experience in event catering or high-volume culinary role.
• Proven expertise in menu planning, food preparation, and presentation for events.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP principles.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple events.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Creative flair and passion for delivering outstanding culinary experiences.
• Valid driver’s license and own transport advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and customized menus for diverse catering events.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation for events.
• Lead and manage kitchen teams on-site during events.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Manage inventory, control food costs, and minimize waste.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to understand event details and client expectations.
• Source high-quality ingredients and build relationships with suppliers.
• Train and mentor junior chefs and catering staff.
• Ensure all equipment is properly maintained and utilized.
• Contribute creative ideas for new catering packages and service styles.

Skills

Menu planning

Leadership

Food safety HACCP

Communication

Time management

Problem solving

Adaptability

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier catering company servicing the **Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape** region, is seeking a highly experienced and creative Senior Event Chef. This role is ideal for a culinary professional with a passion for creating exceptional dining experiences for a variety of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions. You will be responsible for menu development, food preparation, execution of catering services, and managing kitchen operations during events. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership skills, a comprehensive understanding of food safety standards, and a proven ability to manage kitchen staff effectively in a demanding, event-driven environment. You will be instrumental in upholding our client's reputation for excellence in **Port Elizabeth**.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop innovative and customized menus for diverse catering events, considering client preferences and dietary requirements.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation for events, ensuring the highest quality.
• Lead and manage kitchen teams on-site during events, ensuring efficient workflow and timely service.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Manage inventory, control food costs, and minimize waste.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to understand event details and client expectations.
• Source high-quality ingredients and build relationships with suppliers.
• Train and mentor junior chefs and catering staff.
• Ensure all equipment is properly maintained and utilized.
• Contribute creative ideas for new catering packages and service styles.

Requirements

• Professional culinary qualification or equivalent extensive experience in catering.
• Minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in event catering or a similar high-volume culinary role.
• Proven expertise in menu planning, food preparation, and presentation for a wide range of events.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP principles.
• Ability to work under pressure, adapt to changing circumstances, and manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as dictated by event schedules.
• A creative flair and passion for delivering outstanding culinary experiences.
• Valid driver's license and own reliable transport would be advantageous.

Benefits

• We offer a competitive annual salary of R, commensurate with experience and skills.
• This position includes opportunities for performance-based bonuses and recognition within the industry.
• Our client provides access to well-equipped catering facilities and a supportive work environment.
• Opportunities for professional development, including specialized culinary and event management training, will be provided.
• Employees enjoy a positive work culture and opportunities to work at prestigious venues in and around **Port Elizabeth**.
• This is an excellent opportunity to advance your career within a leading catering company in the **Eastern Cape**, **South Africa**.