Senior Event Chef (Hybrid)

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Senior Event Chef to lead our culinary team for premium catering. This hybrid role blends on-site kitchen leadership with remote menu planning and strategy to create exceptional experiences for diverse events.

The candidate will design innovative menus, manage food quality and costs, and mentor staff while collaborating with planners to meet client visions and maintain top standards of service in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Five+ years of chef experience focused on catering and events.
• Formal culinary education from a recognized institution desirable.
• Proven expertise in menu creation, food styling, and presentation.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent understanding of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Proficient in cost control, inventory management, and budgeting.
• Flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary team in planning, prep, and execution of all catered events.
• Develop innovative menus considering client preferences and dietary needs.
• Ensure high quality of food production and presentation across events.
• Manage kitchen operations, inventory, food costs, and waste reduction.
• Mentor junior chefs and staff to foster a positive work environment.
• Collaborate with planners and sales to deliver tailored culinary solutions.
• Maintain health, safety, and hygiene standards in the kitchen.
• Conduct tasting panels and recipe testing for new menus.
• Engage in site visits and client consultations for expert guidance.
• Contribute to strategic direction of culinary department, including remote planning.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Cost control

Team management

Guest experience

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned name in premium event catering, is seeking an experienced and innovative Senior Event Chef to join their culinary team based in Cape Town . This hybrid role offers a dynamic blend of hands-on kitchen leadership and strategic menu development, requiring the successful candidate to be present on-site for key operational periods while allowing for remote planning and administrative tasks. You will be responsible for conceptualizing, creating, and executing exceptional culinary experiences for a diverse range of events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions. This position demands creativity, precision, and a deep understanding of seasonal ingredients and modern gastronomic techniques. The Senior Event Chef will play a pivotal role in maintaining our client's reputation for culinary excellence, driving innovation in menu design, and ensuring the highest standards of food quality and presentation. You will work closely with the catering management team to translate client visions into unforgettable dining experiences, balancing artistic flair with operational efficiency. The hybrid nature of this role requires excellent communication and organizational skills to ensure seamless collaboration between on-site and remote work components, fostering a cohesive and productive team environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary team in the planning, preparation, and execution of all catered events.
• Develop innovative and creative menus, considering client preferences, dietary requirements, and seasonal availability.
• Ensure consistent high quality of food production and presentation across all events.
• Manage kitchen operations, including inventory control, food cost management, and waste reduction.
• Supervise and mentor junior chefs and kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Collaborate with event planners and sales teams to understand client needs and deliver tailored culinary solutions.
• Maintain strict adherence to health, safety, and hygiene standards in the kitchen.
• Conduct taste panels and recipe testing for new menu development.
• Participate in site visits and client consultations to provide expert culinary advice.
• Contribute to the overall strategic direction of the culinary department, including remote operational planning where applicable.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Chef, with a strong focus on catering and events.
• Formal culinary education from a recognized institution is highly desirable.
• Proven expertise in menu creation, food styling, and presentation.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate kitchen staff.
• Excellent understanding of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Proficiency in cost control, inventory management, and budgeting.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, adapting to on-site and remote work requirements.
• A passion for culinary arts and a commitment to delivering outstanding guest experiences.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package. This hybrid role provides a balance between on-site engagement and remote flexibility, allowing for better work-life integration. Opportunities for professional growth and development within a leading event catering company are significant. You will have the chance to work with a talented team, utilize high-quality ingredients, and create memorable culinary experiences for a discerning clientele in Cape Town . We provide a supportive work environment that encourages creativity and innovation. Be part of a company that values its culinary talent and offers a rewarding career path.