Senior Event Chef - Corporate Catering

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

State-of-the-art kitchen facilities

Professional development

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Event Chef to lead our client's culinary team in George, Western Cape. You will conceptualize, prepare, and execute high-quality dishes for corporate events and private functions, while managing kitchen operations under pressure.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of experience, strong leadership, extensive knowledge of international cuisines, and expertise in menu design, costing, and hygiene.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as a Chef with 2+ years in senior or sous role in catering/banqueting.
• Formal culinary qualifications from a recognised institution.
• Extensive knowledge of international cuisines, pastry, and garde manger.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a kitchen brigade.
• Strong food costing, inventory management, and waste reduction skills.
• Excellent hygiene and safety knowledge; HACCP is a plus.
• Creative plating with attention to detail.
• Willingness to work irregular hours including evenings and weekends.
• Based in George, Western Cape or willing to relocate; valid work right in SA.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop menus aligned with client themes using seasonal ingredients.
• Oversee all food prep, cooking, and presentation for events.
• Lead kitchen staff with guidance, training, and supervision.
• Ensure high quality, taste, and consistent standards.
• Maintain hygiene, sanitation, and safety in kitchen operations.
• Control costs through inventory, waste reduction, and sourcing efficiency.
• Collaborate with event team to ensure smooth execution.
• Stay updated on culinary trends and integrate into menus.
• Conduct taste tests and QC checks before service.
• Manage equipment maintenance and keep kitchen organized.

Skills

Senior kitchen leadership

Menu development

Costing & inventory

HACCP knowledge

Plating & presentation

Education

Formal culinary qualifications

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in bespoke event catering, is actively seeking a highly skilled and creative Senior Event Chef to lead their culinary team in George, Western Cape. This role is central to our mission of providing exceptional gastronomic experiences for corporate clients and private functions. The successful candidate will be responsible for conceptualizing, preparing, and executing high-quality dishes, managing kitchen operations, and ensuring culinary excellence across all events. This position requires a deep understanding of various cuisines, advanced cooking techniques, and the ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment. The role is based in the picturesque Western Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative menus that align with client preferences and event themes, focusing on seasonal and local ingredients.
• Oversee all aspects of food preparation, cooking, and presentation for catering events of varying scales.
• Manage kitchen staff, including sous chefs and commis chefs, providing guidance, training, and supervision.
• Ensure consistent quality and taste across all dishes, meeting the highest culinary standards.
• Maintain impeccable standards of hygiene, sanitation, and safety in the kitchen and food handling processes.
• Control food costs by managing inventory, minimizing waste, and sourcing ingredients efficiently.
• Collaborate with the catering management team to ensure smooth event execution and client satisfaction.
• Stay abreast of the latest culinary trends and techniques, incorporating them into menu offerings.
• Conduct taste testing and quality control checks before dishes are served.
• Manage equipment maintenance and ensure the kitchen is well-organized and stocked.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Chef, with at least 2 years in a senior or sous chef role, preferably in catering or banqueting.
• Formal culinary qualifications from a recognized institution.
• Extensive knowledge of international cuisines, pastry, and garde manger.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a kitchen brigade effectively.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, and waste reduction techniques.
• Excellent command of kitchen hygiene and safety protocols (e.g., HACCP certification is a plus).
• Creative flair and passion for food, with an eye for detail in plating and presentation.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks, and meet tight deadlines.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as dictated by event schedules.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the George, Western Cape area and possess the legal right to work in South Africa.

Benefits

This is an exciting opportunity to join a leading catering company and showcase your culinary talent. Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with your experience and skills. You will have access to state-of-the-art kitchen facilities and the chance to work on high-profile events. Professional development and growth within the company are encouraged. Be part of a passionate team dedicated to culinary excellence in the beautiful Western Cape.