Senior Event Chef — Fine-Dining for Vineyard Events

Placements24; Graafwater; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Travel allowances for off-site events

Creative menu development freedom

Exposure to premium local produce and

Growth opportunities in the company

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Event Chef to lead the kitchen team at vineyard catering events. You will oversee menu execution, plating, and food safety while delivering exquisite dining experiences using premium local produce.

Flexibility for evenings, weekends, and travel to Western Cape estates; opportunities for menu development and kitchen management tasks performed remotely where possible.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as a Chef, with ≥2 years in senior or event-focused roles.
• Proven track record in fine dining and event catering.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards.
• Excellent leadership and ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the culinary team during catering events, ensuring high-quality food preparation and presentation.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to design innovative and bespoke menus.
• Oversee cooking process from mise en place to plating with strict hygiene standards.
• Manage kitchen inventory, stock levels and ordering to minimize waste and cost.
• Maintain safe and sanitary kitchen and event-site environments.
• Train junior staff and develop culinary skills.
• Contribute to new concepts and seasonal offerings for Paarl region.
• Troubleshoot kitchen issues to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure high-quality ingredients.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Food safety

Creative flair

Food presentation

Cost control

Inventory management

Adaptability

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Event Chef to lead the kitchen team at vineyard catering events. You will oversee menu execution, plating, and food safety while delivering exquisite dining experiences using premium local produce.

Flexibility for evenings, weekends, and travel to Western Cape estates; opportunities for menu development and kitchen management tasks performed remotely where possible.