Senior Events Chef

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 480,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Performance incentives

Benefits program

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Events Chef to lead culinary execution across corporate events, weddings, and private functions. You will manage on-site kitchen teams, ensure top quality and presentation, and drive innovative menus for high-profile occasions.

The role combines central kitchen and on-site event work, requiring flexibility to travel to various venues and urban centers around Pretoria. A strong background in event catering and staff leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in event catering or high-volume hospitality.
• 2+ years in supervisory or leadership role.
• Experience in menu planning and execution for diverse events.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP and kitchen hygiene.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the culinary team during event execution, ensuring smooth operation and adherence to timelines.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation for events, ensuring consistent quality and adherence to client specifications.
• Collaborate with the Events Planning team to develop customized menus and ensure culinary success.
• Manage inventory and stock for events, ensuring accurate ordering and efficient utilization of ingredients.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, food safety, and sanitation at event sites and in the central kitchen.
• Provide training and mentorship to junior kitchen staff involved in event operations.

Skills

Menu planning

Food safety HACCP

Kitchen hygiene

Leadership

Communication

Event catering

Education

Culinary qualifications

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier full-service catering company based in Pretoria, Gauteng , is seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior Events Chef to oversee the culinary execution of a diverse range of high-profile events. This role demands a chef with a passion for creativity, meticulous planning, and exceptional execution under pressure. You will be responsible for leading the kitchen team on-site, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and service for corporate events, weddings, and private functions. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in event catering, with a proven ability to manage multiple events simultaneously, adapt to different venues, and deliver outstanding culinary experiences. This hybrid role requires flexibility, with significant time spent both in the central kitchen and at various event locations.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the culinary team during event execution, ensuring smooth operation and adherence to timelines. Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation for events, ensuring consistent quality and adherence to client specifications and dietary requirements. Collaborate with the Events Planning team to understand client needs, develop customized menus, and ensure culinary success. Manage inventory and stock for events, ensuring accurate ordering and efficient utilization of ingredients. Maintain impeccable standards of hygiene, food safety, and sanitation at event sites and in the central kitchen. Troubleshoot and resolve any culinary-related issues that may arise during events. Contribute to menu development and innovation, focusing on seasonal ingredients and current culinary trends. Provide training and mentorship to junior kitchen staff involved in event operations. Work closely with venue staff and other vendors to ensure seamless event execution.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in event catering or a similar high-volume hospitality role, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership position. Proven experience in menu planning and execution for diverse event types and guest numbers. Strong understanding of food safety standards, HACCP, and kitchen hygiene protocols. Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize and multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment. Strong leadership and team management capabilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively with clients, colleagues, and suppliers. Flexibility to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as required by event schedules in and around Pretoria, Gauteng . Culinary qualifications are a plus. Ability to travel to various event locations.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits program. This role provides the opportunity to work on exciting and diverse events, expand your culinary repertoire, and grow within a well-established and respected catering company. Enjoy the dynamic nature of event work and the satisfaction of creating memorable culinary experiences.