Junior Sous Chef

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu; West Coast Division; On-site; MYR 40,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is seeking a talented Junior Sous Chef (Chinese Banquet) to join our luxury hotel culinary team in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. This full-time role focuses on high-volume Chinese banquet cuisine, supporting the Head Chef and senior team to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

You will manage kitchen operations, guide junior staff, and uphold stringent food safety and quality standards while contributing to menu development and seasonal specials.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of professional kitchen experience in Chinese cuisine and banquet operations.
• Proficient in wok cooking, steaming, braising and stir-frying.
• Supervisory or team leadership experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Culinary qualification or formal training in Chinese cuisine.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, hygiene standards and kitchen safety protocols.
• Ability to work under pressure whilst maintaining high standards of quality and consistency.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively within a diverse team.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends, evenings and during peak banquet seasons.
• Knowledge of portion control, cost management and food waste reduction.
• Passion for culinary excellence and commitment to continuous professional development.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook Chinese banquet dishes to consistently high standards, ensuring adherence to recipes, portion sizes and presentation guidelines.
• Assist the Head Chef and Senior Sous Chef in planning menus, sourcing ingredients and managing inventory for banquet events.
• Supervise and mentor junior kitchen staff, providing guidance on cooking techniques, food safety and kitchen protocols.
• Maintain strict food safety and hygiene standards in compliance with all health and safety regulations.
• Manage mise en place and ensure all stations are properly stocked and organised before service begins.
• Monitor food quality and consistency throughout service, making adjustments as needed.
• Collaborate with the Front of House team to ensure seamless execution of banquets and special events.
• Contribute to the development of new Chinese banquet menu items and seasonal specials.
• Maintain and care for kitchen equipment and report any maintenance issues promptly.
• Participate in training programmes to enhance culinary skills and stay updated with industry trends.

Skills

Wok cooking

Steaming

Braising

Stir-frying

Menu planning

Inventory management

Staff supervision

Food safety

Communication

Flexibility

Education

Culinary qualification in Chinese cuisine

Job description

About the role

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is seeking a talented and passionate Junior Sous Chef (Chinese Banquet) to join our esteemed culinary team. This is a full-time position based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, offering an exciting opportunity to develop your skills in high-volume Chinese banquet cuisine within a luxury hospitality environment. In this role, you will work alongside our Head Chef and executive team to deliver exceptional dining experiences for our guests whilst managing kitchen operations, staff, and food preparation standards. This position is integral to maintaining the excellence and reputation that Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is known for.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and cook Chinese banquet dishes to consistently high standards, ensuring adherence to recipes, portion sizes and presentation guidelines
• Assist the Head Chef and Senior Sous Chef in planning menus, sourcing ingredients and managing inventory for banquet events
• Supervise and mentor junior kitchen staff, providing guidance on cooking techniques, food safety and kitchen protocols
• Maintain strict food safety and hygiene standards in compliance with all health and safety regulations
• Manage mise en place and ensure all stations are properly stocked and organised before service begins
• Monitor food quality and consistency throughout service, making adjustments as needed
• Collaborate with the Front of House team to ensure seamless execution of banquets and special events
• Contribute to the development of new Chinese banquet menu items and seasonal specials
• Maintain and care for kitchen equipment and report any maintenance issues promptly
• Participate in training programmes to enhance culinary skills and stay updated with industry trends

What we’re looking for

• Minimum 3-5 years of professional kitchen experience, with substantial experience in Chinese cuisine and banquet operations
• Strong knowledge of traditional and contemporary Chinese cooking techniques, including wok cooking, steaming, braising and stir-frying
• Proven supervisory or team leadership experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Culinary qualification or formal training in Chinese cuisine (or equivalent practical experience)
• Excellent understanding of food safety, hygiene standards and kitchen safety protocols
• Ability to work under pressure whilst maintaining high standards of quality and consistency
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively within a diverse team
• Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends, evenings and during peak banquet seasons
• Knowledge of portion control, cost management and food waste reduction
• Passion for culinary excellence and commitment to continuous professional development

What we offer

At Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu, we are committed to providing our team members with a rewarding work environment and comprehensive benefits package. We offer competitive remuneration, opportunities for career progression within our hotel and wider Le Meridien group, and access to professional development and culinary training programmes. Our team members benefit from staff accommodation options, meals during shifts, health and wellness initiatives, and discounts on hotel facilities and services. We foster a culture of creativity, collaboration and excellence, where your contributions are valued and your culinary talents are celebrated. We provide a supportive workplace that encourages innovation and recognises outstanding performance.

About us

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is a luxury hotel dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality and authentic guest experiences in the heart of Sabah's vibrant capital. As part of the prestigious Le Meridien brand, we are known for our commitment to culinary excellence, sophisticated service, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Our team comprises passionate professionals who share a dedication to exceeding guest expectations and creating memorable moments. We pride ourselves on our diverse dining offerings, world-class facilities, and a workplace culture that values creativity, teamwork and personal growth. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is an ideal destination for hospitality professionals seeking to develop their careers within an internationally recognised luxury hotel brand.