Senior Event Chef - Offsite Catering

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Diverse events

Collaborative team

Contract extension

Local area Tembisa

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Event Chef to lead kitchen operations for offsite catering events in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will manage the kitchen brigade, design menus with event planners, and ensure top-quality dishes with strict hygiene standards.

The role demands strong leadership, culinary creativity, and a track record in high-volume environments. Flexibility for varied schedules and events is essential for delivering memorable dining experiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years as a Chef with senior-role experience in high-volume catering.
• Offsite event catering and large-scale food production expertise.
• Strong leadership and communication skills; ability to manage staff under pressure.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations; HACCP certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary preparations and execution for offsite catering events.
• Lead the kitchen brigade during events, ensuring smooth workflow and high standards.
• Develop creative menus with event planners and clients.
• Source ingredients and manage inventory to minimize waste.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, and sanitation compliance.
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff; ensure kitchen equipment is well maintained.
• Control food costs and contribute to budgeting for culinary operations.
• Collaborate with front-of-house staff for seamless service delivery.
• Adapt menus and preparation methods to suit various events.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Menu costing

Food safety

Inventory management

Flexibility

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected catering company specializing in bespoke events, is seeking an experienced Senior Event Chef to join their culinary team in Tembisa, Gauteng. This is a crucial role responsible for leading the kitchen operations during offsite catering events. The ideal candidate will have a flair for culinary innovation, a deep understanding of large-scale event catering, and the ability to manage kitchen staff efficiently under pressure. You will be instrumental in ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality dishes, maintaining impeccable hygiene standards, and contributing to the overall success of our client's prestigious events. This position offers a unique opportunity to showcase your culinary talents and leadership skills in diverse and exciting environments across the region. You will work closely with the Event Planning team to bring culinary visions to life, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all guests. The role requires flexibility and a passion for creating exquisite food.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all culinary preparations and execution for offsite catering events.
• Manage and lead the kitchen brigade during events, ensuring smooth workflow and high standards.
• Develop creative and appealing menus in collaboration with event planners and clients.
• Source high-quality ingredients and manage inventory effectively to minimize waste.
• Maintain strict adherence to all food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Conduct quality control checks on all dishes before service.
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Manage kitchen equipment and ensure it is well-maintained and in good working order.
• Control food costs and contribute to budget management for culinary operations.
• Collaborate with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Adapt menus and preparation methods to suit various event types and client requirements.
• Represent the company's culinary excellence to clients during events.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Chef, with at least 3 years in a senior role within a high-volume catering environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in offsite event catering and large-scale food production.
• Strong culinary skills and creativity, with a passion for diverse cuisines.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team management abilities.
• Thorough knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP certification preferred).
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as dictated by event schedules.
• Experience with inventory management and cost control.
• Proficiency in menu engineering and costing.
• A culinary qualification from a recognized institution is advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced, demanding environments.
• Must be physically fit and able to stand for extended periods.

Benefits

• Competitive remuneration package based on experience and skills.
• Opportunity to work at diverse and high-profile events.
• Exposure to a wide range of culinary styles and techniques.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Potential for contract extension or future opportunities based on performance.
• Work in and around the vibrant area of Tembisa, Gauteng.