Senior Event Chef - Contract

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 413,000 - 579,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive rate

Prestigious events

Premium ingredients

Future extensions

Travel allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Senior Event Chef for a contract role in George, Western Cape. You will lead the culinary team for a range of prestigious events, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, and service in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate has formal culinary training, 7+ years’ progressive experience including 3+ years in senior roles, and a proven ability to design menus, manage kitchen operations, and maintain strict HACCP standards.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary qualification from a recognized institution.
• 7+ years of progressive experience as a chef, with at least 3 years in a senior or executive chef role.
• Demonstrated expertise in a wide range of culinary techniques and cuisines.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a kitchen team.
• Excellent understanding of food safety regulations and HACCP principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary team in preparing and executing high-quality dishes for various events.
• Develop creative and seasonal menus in collaboration with the event planning team and clients.
• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation.
• Manage inventory, stock control, and ordering of ingredients, ensuring cost-effectiveness and minimizing waste.
• Supervise and train junior chefs and kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to recipes and standards.
• Maintain impeccable standards of hygiene, food safety, and sanitation in the kitchen.
• Collaborate with the catering manager to ensure smooth event execution and client satisfaction.
• Conduct taste panels and recipe testing to ensure quality and consistency.
• Manage kitchen budgets and contribute to profitability goals.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food safety HACCP

Time management

Cost control

Creativity

Team motivation

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and creative Senior Event Chef for a contract position based in George, Western Cape. This role involves leading the culinary team for a variety of prestigious events, ensuring exceptional food quality, presentation, and service. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in fine dining and banqueting, with a proven ability to manage kitchen operations under pressure and deliver innovative menus. This is an exciting opportunity for a culinary artist to showcase their talent and contribute to memorable dining experiences. You will be instrumental in menu development, kitchen staff supervision, and maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and food safety. The role requires a hands-on approach and a keen eye for detail, ensuring every dish served is a masterpiece. We are looking for a passionate individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is dedicated to culinary excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary team in preparing and executing high-quality dishes for various events, from intimate dinners to large-scale functions.
• Develop creative and seasonal menus in collaboration with the event planning team and clients.
• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation.
• Manage inventory, stock control, and ordering of ingredients, ensuring cost-effectiveness and minimizing waste.
• Supervise and train junior chefs and kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to recipes and standards.
• Maintain impeccable standards of hygiene, food safety, and sanitation in the kitchen.
• Collaborate with the catering manager to ensure smooth event execution and client satisfaction.
• Conduct taste panels and recipe testing to ensure quality and consistency.
• Manage kitchen budgets and contribute to profitability goals.

Requirements

• Formal culinary qualification from a recognized institution.
• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience as a chef, with at least 3 years in a senior or executive chef role within event catering or fine dining.
• Demonstrated expertise in a wide range of culinary techniques and cuisines.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a kitchen team.
• Excellent understanding of food safety regulations and HACCP principles.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask effectively.
• Creative flair and a passion for innovative food presentation.
• Experience with menu costing and inventory management.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required by event schedules.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the George, Western Cape area.

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate for the duration of the contract.
• Opportunity to work with a dynamic and reputable catering company.
• Exposure to a diverse range of high-profile events.
• Access to premium ingredients and state-of-the-art kitchen facilities.
• Potential for future contract extensions or permanent opportunities.
• Travel allowance may be provided for specific events.