Senior Event Chef - Fine Dining Experience

Placements24; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Professional development

State-of-the-art kitchen facilities

Prestigious events access

Job summary

Placements24 in Midrand, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Event Chef to lead culinary direction for high-profile events. You will manage a kitchen team, develop bespoke menus, and ensure top-tier presentation and taste.

The role demands leadership, innovation, and a track record in catering or fine dining. The successful candidate will drive food safety compliance, cost management, and cross-functional collaboration with events teams and clients to deliver memorable experiences in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience as a Chef, with at least 3 years in a senior/head role in catering or fine dining.
• Proven experience in menu development, costing, and kitchen management.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of international cuisines and culinary trends.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and HACCP principles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• Based in or willing to relocate to the Midrand area.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, preparation, and execution of all menus for catered events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the kitchen brigade, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
• Ensure adherence to all food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards, maintaining impeccable kitchen operations.
• Collaborate with the events team and clients to create bespoke menus that align with event themes, dietary requirements, and budget constraints.
• Manage food costs, inventory control, and supplier relationships to optimize profitability and ensure quality ingredients.
• Develop and implement innovative culinary techniques and presentation styles to elevate the dining experience.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to kitchen staff.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Cost management

HACCP knowledge

Communication

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier catering and events company based in Midrand, Gauteng , is seeking to appoint a highly skilled and experienced Senior Event Chef. This is a crucial role where you will be responsible for the culinary direction and execution of high-profile events. You will lead a team of talented chefs and kitchen staff, ensuring that every dish served meets exceptional standards of quality, presentation, and taste. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of diverse cuisines, a passion for innovation, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment. This position offers the opportunity to showcase your culinary artistry and leadership skills on a grand scale, contributing to the success of memorable events for a discerning clientele in the vibrant Gauteng region.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, preparation, and execution of all menus for catered events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the kitchen brigade, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
• Ensure adherence to all food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards, maintaining impeccable kitchen operations.
• Collaborate with the events team and clients to create bespoke menus that align with event themes, dietary requirements, and budget constraints.
• Manage food costs, inventory control, and supplier relationships to optimize profitability and ensure quality ingredients.
• Develop and implement innovative culinary techniques and presentation styles to elevate the dining experience.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to kitchen staff.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of experience as a Chef, with at least 3 years in a senior or head chef role within the catering or fine dining industry.
• Proven experience in menu development, costing, and kitchen management.
• Exceptional leadership and team management skills.
• In-depth knowledge of various international cuisines and culinary trends.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and HACCP principles.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple events simultaneously.
• Culinary degree or recognized professional qualification is highly advantageous.
• Passion for food and a commitment to excellence in every aspect of the culinary operation.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Midrand area.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunity to work with high-profile clients and prestigious events.
• Access to state-of-the-art kitchen facilities.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment where culinary creativity is valued.
• Contribute significantly to a leading name in the Gauteng events and catering scene.