Executive Sous Chef

Crew Life at Sea Ltd.; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,274,000 - 1,821,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meals onboard

Accommodation provided

Global travel opportunities

Medical insurance

Job summary

Crew Life At Sea Ltd. seeks an experienced Executive Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef across multiple dining venues aboard our prestigious cruise line.

This senior culinary role requires a strong background in high-volume, international cuisine and cruise ship operations. You will lead a large galley team, ensure USPH compliance, manage inventories, and contribute to menu planning while enjoying global travel and onboard meals with accommodation.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years experience as an Executive Sous Chef or Sous Chef in high-volume operations.
• Previous cruise ship experience is required.
• English proficiency (B2 level or higher preferred).

Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations across all galleys
• Supervise Sous Chefs, Chef de Parties, and staff to ensure food quality and presentation
• Ensure compliance with USPH standards and onboard food safety protocols
• Lead and develop a large culinary team through training and hands-on support
• Manage inventory, food costs, and provisioning with F&B
• Assist with menu planning, production schedules, and food presentations
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in all kitchen areas
• Step into the role of Executive Chef in their absence

Skills

Executive Sous Chef leadership

High-volume operations

Kitchen management

Food safety & HACCP

Tools

USPH standards

Job description

Position: Executive Sous Chef
Location: International placement onboard a cruise line

About the Opportunity:
Crew Life At Sea is seeking experienced Executive Sous Chefs on behalf of our prestigious cruise line partners. This senior culinary role is responsible for supporting the Executive Chef in managing all kitchen operations across multiple dining venues onboard. The ideal candidate must have prior cruise ship experience and a strong background in high-volume, international cuisine. This is an exciting opportunity for dynamic culinary leaders looking to advance their careers in a world-class, fast-paced, and multicultural environment.

All placements are made directly with the cruise line no recruitment or placement fees are charged by Crew Life At Sea.

Role Responsibilities:

• Assist the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations across all galleys

• Supervise Sous Chefs, Chef de Parties, and other galley staff to ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation standards

• Ensure compliance with USPH standards, onboard food safety protocols, and company culinary policies

• Lead and develop a large culinary team through training, mentoring, and hands-on support

• Manage inventory, food costs, and provisioning in collaboration with the F&B department

• Assist with menu planning, daily production schedules, and food presentations

• Maintain cleanliness, hygiene, and organization in all kitchen areas

• Step into the role of Executive Chef in their absence

What You Can Expect:

• Competitive monthly salary paid in USD

• Meals and accommodation provided onboard

• Global travel opportunities while working at sea

• Medical insurance coverage during your contract

• Work in a multicultural, high-performance culinary team

• Full support with onboarding and travel arrangements

Who Were Looking For:

• Minimum of 3-5 years experience as an Executive Sous Chef or Sous Chef in high-volume operations

• Previous cruise ship experience is required

• Strong knowledge of international cuisine and modern culinary techniques

• Experience managing large kitchen brigades and working across multiple venues

• Proficient in food safety standards (USPH/HACCP)

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills

• English proficiency (B2 level or higher preferred)