Senior Event Chef - Fine Dining

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Premium kitchen facilities

Professional training

Team events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Event Chef in Cape Town to lead the design and execution of sophisticated, multi-course menus for exclusive events. You will manage all kitchen operations, mentor a high-performing team, and ensure top-tier food safety and presentation.

The role requires 6+ years in culinary roles with 3+ years in senior positions, plus a formal culinary qualification. Expect collaboration with event planners, cost control, and continuous menu innovation in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• 6+ years of professional culinary experience; 3+ years in senior/head chef roles in fine dining or high-end catering.
• Extensive knowledge of global cuisines, modern gastronomy, and presentation techniques.
• Strong leadership, communication, and client-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute sophisticated, multi-course menus for events using seasonal ingredients.
• Manage kitchen operations including prep, cooking, plating, and quality control.
• Lead and mentor a team of chefs and kitchen staff toward high performance.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and minimize waste through procurement strategies.
• Collaborate with event planners and clients to tailor offerings to their vision.
• Maintain exceptional presentation and artistry for all dishes.
• Participate in menu tastings and client consultations.

Skills

Menu design

Kitchen leadership

Food costing

Quality control

Culinary expertise

Client liaison

Education

Culinary qualification

Tools

Kitchen management

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier catering company based in the vibrant city of Cape Town , is looking for an exceptional Senior Event Chef. This role is perfect for a culinary artist with a passion for creating exquisite fine dining experiences for exclusive events. You will be at the forefront of menu innovation, kitchen management, and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and presentation. This position requires a deep understanding of diverse cuisines and the ability to adapt to various client needs and event scales, from intimate gatherings to large-scale galas. If you thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment and have a meticulous eye for detail, this is your chance to make a significant impact on Cape Town 's high-end catering scene.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and execute sophisticated, multi-course menus for a variety of events, focusing on seasonal ingredients and innovative culinary techniques.
• Manage all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and quality control.
• Lead and mentor a team of talented chefs and kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards at all times.
• Control food costs, manage inventory, and minimize waste through effective procurement and utilization strategies.
• Collaborate with event planners and clients to understand their vision and tailor culinary offerings accordingly.
• Maintain exceptional standards of presentation and artistry for all dishes served.
• Participate in menu tasting sessions and client consultations.

Requirements

• A minimum of 6 years of professional culinary experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or head chef role within fine dining or high-end catering.
• Formal culinary qualification from a recognized institution.
• Extensive knowledge of global cuisines, modern gastronomy, and presentation techniques.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a kitchen team.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, and supplier relations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients and event teams.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a demanding environment.
• A portfolio showcasing previous work or culinary creations is highly desirable.

Benefits

• This role comes with an attractive salary package, commensurate with experience.
• Our client offers comprehensive health insurance and a generous retirement fund contribution.
• You will have access to state-of-the-art kitchen facilities and opportunities to work with premium ingredients.
• Professional development and advanced culinary training opportunities are provided.
• Be part of a celebrated team in beautiful Cape Town , contributing to some of the city's most exclusive events.
• Enjoy regular team events and a supportive work culture.