Senior Event Chef - Large Scale Catering

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Accommodation assistance may be

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape seeks a Senior Event Chef to lead a high-volume catering operation for major events. You will oversee menu execution, kitchen brigades, inventory, and food safety.

The role requires strong leadership, culinary excellence, and the ability to deliver creative menus while meeting tight timelines. You will collaborate with event planners and manage costs to ensure outstanding guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in large-scale event catering.
• Proven leadership of kitchen teams.
• Outstanding culinary skills across cuisines.
• Strong food costing, inventory, and budgeting.
• HACCP and health regulations knowledge.
• Excellent time management and communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all culinary operations for large-scale events.
• Develop innovative menus for diverse crowds and dietary needs.
• Oversee preparation, cooking, and presentation quality.
• Manage kitchen staff, recruitment, training, and scheduling.
• Control costs through inventory, orders, and waste reduction.
• Ensure hygiene, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

High-volume catering

Kitchen leadership

Menu development

Budget control

HACCP knowledge

Staff training

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading provider of large-scale event catering services in **Upington, Northern Cape**, is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Event Chef. This demanding role requires a culinary professional with a proven ability to manage high-volume food production for diverse events, ensuring consistent quality, creativity, and adherence to strict timelines. You will lead a kitchen brigade, oversee menu execution, manage inventory, and maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene. The ideal candidate is a culinary artist with strong leadership capabilities, exceptional organizational skills, and a passion for delivering outstanding food experiences in **the Northern Cape**. This is a unique opportunity to lead culinary operations for significant events in **Upington** and contribute to the company's reputation for excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all culinary operations for large-scale catering events, ensuring seamless execution from preparation to service.
• Develop innovative and appealing menus that cater to diverse tastes and dietary requirements, suitable for large crowds.
• Oversee the preparation and cooking of high-quality dishes, ensuring consistency in taste, presentation, and portion control.
• Manage kitchen staff, including recruitment, training, scheduling, and performance evaluation, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Control food costs by managing inventory, ordering supplies, minimizing waste, and ensuring efficient utilization of resources.
• Maintain impeccable standards of hygiene, sanitation, and safety in the kitchen, adhering to all relevant regulations in **Upington**.
• Collaborate closely with event planners and the catering management team to meet client expectations and specific event needs.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is maintained in good working order and used safely.
• Stay updated on food trends and culinary techniques to enhance menu offerings.
• Conduct post-event culinary reviews and implement improvements for future events in **Northern Cape**.

Requirements

• Significant experience as a Chef, with a strong background in high-volume catering, banquets, or large-scale event production.
• Proven leadership experience, managing kitchen teams of considerable size.
• Exceptional culinary skills with a wide repertoire of cuisines and cooking techniques.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, and budget control.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP principles, and health regulations pertinent to **Northern Cape**.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate and direct a team.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as required by event schedules in **Upington**.
• A passion for creating exceptional food experiences and a commitment to quality.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to lead culinary excellence for major events in **Upington**.
• Work with a dynamic and forward-thinking catering company.
• Professional development opportunities and career growth potential.
• Accommodation assistance may be considered for candidates relocating to the **Northern Cape**.
• Be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering outstanding event experiences.