Senior Event Chef - Vineyard Catering

Placements24; Graafwater; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Travel allowances for off-site events

Creative menu development freedom

Exposure to premium local produce and

Growth opportunities in the company

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Event Chef to lead the kitchen team at vineyard catering events. You will oversee menu execution, plating, and food safety while delivering exquisite dining experiences using premium local produce.

Flexibility for evenings, weekends, and travel to Western Cape estates; opportunities for menu development and kitchen management tasks performed remotely where possible.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as a Chef, with ≥2 years in senior or event-focused roles.
• Proven track record in fine dining and event catering.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards.
• Excellent leadership and ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the culinary team during catering events, ensuring high-quality food preparation and presentation.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to design innovative and bespoke menus.
• Oversee cooking process from mise en place to plating with strict hygiene standards.
• Manage kitchen inventory, stock levels and ordering to minimize waste and cost.
• Maintain safe and sanitary kitchen and event-site environments.
• Train junior staff and develop culinary skills.
• Contribute to new concepts and seasonal offerings for Paarl region.
• Troubleshoot kitchen issues to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Liaise with suppliers to ensure high-quality ingredients.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Food safety

Creative flair

Food presentation

Cost control

Inventory management

Adaptability

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished catering company renowned for its exquisite culinary creations for vineyard events in the heart of the Paarl, Western Cape region, is seeking a talented and experienced Senior Event Chef. This role is crucial for maintaining the high standards of gastronomic excellence that our client is known for. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the kitchen team during events, ensuring the flawless execution of menus and maintaining impeccable food quality and presentation. This position offers a unique opportunity to work with the finest local produce and wines, creating memorable dining experiences for clients attending events at prestigious wine estates in Paarl . While a significant portion of the role involves on-site presence at event venues across the Western Cape , there will be elements of menu development and kitchen management that can be performed remotely. We are looking for a creative and driven individual who is passionate about fine dining and has a deep understanding of seasonal ingredients and pairing with fine wines.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the culinary team during catering events, ensuring high-quality food preparation and presentation.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to design innovative and bespoke menus that align with client expectations and vineyard themes.
• Oversee the entire cooking process, from mise en place to final plating, adhering to strict quality and hygiene standards.
• Manage kitchen inventory, stock levels, and ordering of ingredients to minimize waste and ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Maintain a safe and sanitary working environment in the kitchen and at event sites, adhering to all health and safety regulations.
• Conduct regular training and development sessions for junior kitchen staff to enhance their skills and performance.
• Contribute to the development of new culinary concepts and menu items that reflect current trends and seasonal offerings in the Paarl region.
• Troubleshoot any kitchen-related issues that arise during events to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Manage relationships with suppliers to ensure the procurement of high-quality, fresh ingredients.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience as a Chef, with at least 2 years in a senior or event-focused role, preferably within the hospitality or catering industry in the Western Cape .
• Demonstrated expertise in fine dining cuisine and experience in creating tasting menus and plated meals for events.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and best practices.
• Excellent leadership and team management skills, with the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification from a recognized institution.
• Creative flair and passion for food presentation and innovative culinary techniques.
• Ability to adapt quickly to different event environments and client needs across Paarl and surrounding areas.
• Proficiency in inventory management and cost control measures.
• Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as dictated by event schedules.

Benefits

• Competitive salary reflecting your expertise and experience.
• Opportunity to work with a renowned catering company specializing in exclusive vineyard events.
• Creative freedom in menu development and culinary innovation.
• Exposure to premium local produce and fine wines.
• Potential for growth and advancement within the company.
• Travel allowances for off-site events within the Western Cape .
• A supportive and professional team environment in the scenic Paarl .