Senior Event Chef for Premium Catering Services

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

State-of-the-art kitchen facilities

Diverse Gauteng events

Supportive team environment

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Event Chef to lead a culinary team for high-profile events across Gauteng. You will drive menu development, food cost control, and kitchen management in a fast-paced, high-volume catering environment.

The role requires exceptional leadership, creativity in menu design, and the ability to manage multiple events, with flexibility for evenings and weekends as schedules demand.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in a senior culinary role.
• Proven menu development, costing and kitchen management expertise.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a dynamic Johannesburg environment.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Proficiency in inventory control and cost management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary operations for diverse events, ensuring consistent quality and presentation.
• Develop innovative and seasonal menus in collaboration with clients and the event planning team, accommodating dietary needs.
• Manage kitchen staff, including hiring, training, scheduling and performance evaluation.
• Maintain strict inventory control, including food ordering, stock management and waste reduction strategies.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and sanitation regulations.
• Collaborate with the events team to ensure seamless execution from menu concept to final service.
• Supervise food preparation, cooking and presentation during events.
• Control food costs and manage kitchen budgets to maximize profitability.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food costing

Kitchen management

Team leadership

Inventory management

Cost control

High-volume cooking

Communication skills

Stress management

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in the **Johannesburg** catering industry, is seeking an experienced and creative Senior Event Chef to lead their culinary team. This pivotal role demands a passion for exquisite food preparation, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. The successful candidate will be instrumental in maintaining and elevating our client's reputation for delivering unparalleled gastronomic experiences at a wide array of prestigious events, from intimate corporate gatherings to grand weddings and large-scale banquets. This is an opportunity to make a significant impact on the culinary direction of a respected catering provider in **Gauteng**.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of culinary operations for diverse events, ensuring consistent quality and presentation.
• Develop innovative and seasonal menus in collaboration with clients and the event planning team, catering to various dietary needs and preferences.
• Manage kitchen staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Maintain strict inventory control, including food ordering, stock management, and waste reduction strategies.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations, upholding the highest standards in the kitchen.
• Collaborate with the events team to ensure seamless execution from menu conceptualization to final service.
• Supervise food preparation, cooking, and presentation during events, ensuring timely and efficient service delivery.
• Control food costs and manage kitchen budgets effectively to maximize profitability.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior culinary role, preferably within the high-end catering or hospitality sector.
• Proven expertise in menu development, food costing, and kitchen management.
• A strong understanding of various cooking techniques and international cuisines.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities effectively in a dynamic **Johannesburg** setting.
• Relevant culinary qualification from a recognized institution.
• Proficiency in inventory management and cost control.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required by event schedules.
• A passion for creating memorable culinary experiences and a commitment to excellence.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a leading catering company.
• Access to state-of-the-art kitchen facilities and equipment.
• Work on diverse and high-profile events across **Gauteng**.
• A supportive and dynamic team environment.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses.