Catering Sous Chef

Placements24; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment seeks an experienced Senior Sous Chef for a luxury private safari camp in the Sabi Sands, Mpumalanga. You will lead the kitchen team and support the Executive Chef to deliver exceptional dining in a remote luxury lodge.

We require strong leadership, top-tier culinary skills, food safety expertise and the ability to perform under pressure in a safari environment.

Qualifications

• Senior Sous Chef or equivalent with experience in luxury lodge or safari environment.
• Strong leadership and ability to manage a kitchen team.
• Outstanding culinary skills and palate for luxury dining.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist in day-to-day kitchen management and operations.
• Support Executive Chef in maintaining high culinary standards.
• Oversee and guide kitchen team during service and preparation.
• Ensure dishes meet luxury hospitality standards in presentation and quality.
• Assist with menu planning, development and seasonal changes.
• Maintain high standards of food hygiene, safety and cleanliness.
• Monitor stock levels, food costs and portion control.
• Assist with receiving, storage and inventory control of food supplies.
• Train, mentor and motivate junior kitchen staff.
• Maintain a clean, organised and professional kitchen environment.
• Ensure smooth operations during peak service periods.
• Contribute creative ideas for guest dining experiences.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary excellence

Food safety

Team management

Education

Culinary qualifications

Job description

Kendrick Recruitment is currently seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Sous Chef for a luxury private safari camp in the Sabi Sands, Mpumalanga.

The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining exceptional culinary standards and supporting the kitchen team in delivering a consistently high-quality dining experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the day-to-day management and operation of the kitchen.
• Support the Executive Chef in maintaining consistently high culinary standards.
• Oversee and guide the kitchen team during service and preparation.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented to the required luxury hospitality standards.
• Assist with menu preparation, planning and implementation.
• Maintain excellent standards of food hygiene, health and safety.
• Monitor stock levels, food costs and portion control.
• Assist with ordering, receiving and correct storage of food supplies.
• Train, mentor and motivate junior kitchen staff.
• Maintain a clean, organised and professional kitchen environment.
• Ensure smooth and efficient kitchen operations during busy service periods.
• Contribute creative ideas and seasonal dishes to enhance the guest dining experience.

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Senior Sous Chef or Sous Chef within a luxury lodge, safari camp or high-end hospitality environment.
• Strong culinary skills and a genuine passion for food.
• Excellent knowledge of kitchen operations and food safety standards.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop a kitchen team.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.
• Professional, hands-on and team-oriented approach.
• Relevant culinary qualifications would be advantageous.
• The ability to work in a remote safari environment is essential.

Salary

Negotiable depending on experience.

This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished Senior Sous Chef to join a luxury safari operation and contribute to an exceptional guest experience in one of South Africa's premier safari destinations.