Job Summary
The Senior Sous Chef oversees and leads back-of-house operations, including daily and banquet menu planning, kitchen workflow management, cost control, manpower planning, hygiene and safety compliance, and administrative reporting. The role supports the Head Chef/Executive Chef in ensuring consistent, high-quality food production and service standards, while taking a lead role in supervising and developing the culinary team.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Food Production
- Oversee and coordinate all daily food production activities and kitchen operations.
- Ensure all dishes meet required quality, presentation, hygiene, and food safety standards.
- Lead the planning and execution of monthly rotating menus, seasonal menus, and food promotions.
- Oversee banquet and event preparation in collaboration with the F&B Coordinator/Supervisor.
- Ensure adherence to internal SOPs, regulatory guidelines, and audit requirements.
- Serve as second-in-command in the kitchen, acting for the Head Chef when required.
Manpower Management & Communication
- Supervise, guide, and motivate kitchen staff through effective daily communication and leadership.
- Support manpower planning, recruitment recommendations, and workforce scheduling.
- Oversee employee training, skills development, and performance standards.
- Ensure timely submission of HR-related documentation including attendance, timecards, leave applications, and manpower cost records.
Customer & Stakeholder Engagement
- Manage customer feedback professionally and provide timely service recovery where necessary.
- Participate in service, operational, and review meetings to support continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with internal departments (HR, Finance, Purchasing, and Safety & Quality) during audits, inspections, and operational reviews.
Administration & Reporting
- Prepare and submit accurate weekly and monthly operational, administrative, and financial reports.
- Maintain proper documentation and logs including food sampling records, cooking core temperature logs, and refrigerator temperature monitoring.
Safety, Hygiene & Equipment Management
- Ensure safe, proper, and efficient use of kitchen equipment; report and follow up on faulty equipment.
- Uphold high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and workplace safety across all kitchen areas.
- Ensure strict compliance with food safety protocols, hazard prevention measures, and audit standards.
Other Duties
- Perform other reasonable duties assigned by management to support operational needs.
- Provide leadership support during peak periods, events, or the Head Chef’s absence.
Key Requirements
- Minimum 8-10 years of relevant culinary experience, including supervisory or senior leadership experience.
- Strong communication skills (verbal and written), with the ability to convey information clearly and professionally.
- Excellent organisational skills to manage complex workflows, prioritise tasks, and meet operational deadlines.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to guide and motivate team members at all levels.
- Ability to understand and contribute to broader kitchen and operational strategies.
- Customer-service focused, demonstrating professionalism and confidence when engaging customers and stakeholders.
- Proven ability to maintain high culinary standards with consistency in quality and presentation.
- A collaborative team player with a strong sense of responsibility and initiative.