Senior Event Chef - Hybrid, Creative Menu Leadership

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Event Chef in Stellenbosch to lead culinary teams for high‑profile events. You will design innovative menus, oversee kitchen operations during event prep and execution, and ensure exceptional quality and presentation across corporate functions and private events.

You will collaborate with event planners and clients, manage food costs and staff, and push culinary excellence in a hybrid work setting in the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years as a chef, with at least 4 years in event/banqueting in high-volume settings.
• Proven expertise in menu development, food preparation and presentation for diverse events.
• Strong leadership and team management skills to motivate culinary staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary team in planning, preparation, and execution for banquets, corporate events, and private functions.
• Develop creative menus tailored to client needs, diet restrictions, and event themes.
• Manage kitchen operations during event prep and execution, including staff supervision and workflow optimization.
• Ensure top standards of food quality, presentation, safety, and sanitation.
• Collaborate with event planners, sales teams, and clients to understand event requirements and deliver dining experiences.
• Oversee inventory management, including ordering, receiving, and storage of ingredients and supplies.
• Train, mentor, and develop junior culinary staff for continuous growth.
• Conduct tastings and menu presentations for potential clients and organizers.
• Control food costs and labor to meet budgets without compromising quality.
• Stay updated on culinary trends and ingredients to drive menu innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Cost control

Inventory management

Client relations

Education

Culinary degree/certification

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Event Chef in Stellenbosch to lead culinary teams for high‑profile events. You will design innovative menus, oversee kitchen operations during event prep and execution, and ensure exceptional quality and presentation across corporate functions and private events.

You will collaborate with event planners and clients, manage food costs and staff, and push culinary excellence in a hybrid work setting in the Western Cape.