Senior Event Chef - Catering

Placements24; Rustenburg; Hybrid; ZAR 520,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Event Chef to lead the culinary team for our catering division in Rustenburg. You will conceptualize, prepare and present exceptional dishes for a variety of events, from corporate luncheons to banquets, while developing innovative menus and controlling costs.

You will manage kitchen operations, mentor staff, and collaborate with event planners to deliver customized culinary experiences in a dynamic environment with hybrid planning and administrative tasks.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef or Senior Chef in catering or high-volume environment.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Exceptional culinary skills with creativity and fine dining focus.
• Strong budgeting, inventory management and kitchen budgeting knowledge.
• Excellent leadership and communication abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative, high-quality menus for catering events.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation.
• Manage kitchen operations including inventory, ordering and waste reduction.
• Lead, train and mentor kitchen staff in a collaborative environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
• Collaborate with event planners and clients to tailor experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Cooking ability

Food cost control

Communication

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a creative and experienced Senior Event Chef to lead the culinary team for their catering division in Rustenburg . This role requires a chef who can conceptualize, prepare, and present exceptional dishes for a wide range of events, from corporate luncheons to elaborate banquets. You will be instrumental in menu development, ensuring culinary innovation while adhering to budget and client specifications. This position offers a unique opportunity for a talented chef to showcase their skills in a dynamic environment, contributing significantly to the culinary excellence of events in the North West province, with some flexibility for remote planning and administrative tasks.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative, high-quality menus for various catering events, considering seasonality and client preferences.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation, ensuring consistency and excellence.
• Manage kitchen operations, including inventory, ordering, and waste reduction, in coordination with the catering manager.
• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards at all times.
• Collaborate with event planners and clients to understand specific needs and deliver customized culinary experiences.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in a demanding catering or high-volume restaurant environment.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• Exceptional culinary skills, creativity, and a passion for fine dining.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, and kitchen budgeting.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage pressure and work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and a performance bonus.
• Opportunity for creative culinary expression and menu innovation in Rustenburg .
• Access to modern kitchen facilities and a supportive team environment.
• Professional development and the chance to advance within the company.
• A hybrid work arrangement offering some flexibility for administrative tasks.