Executive Sous Chef for Luxury Events

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development

State-of-the-art kitchen facilities

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking an Executive Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in overseeing all aspects of high-end catering operations. The candidate will maintain top food quality, presentation, and sanitation, while mentoring staff and driving menu development.

Ideal applicants bring 5+ years in catering or fine dining, a culinary degree, and strong leadership. This role offers growth within a respected Durban-based organization in KwaZulu-Natal's vibrant culinary scene.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in high-volume catering or fine dining.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification required.
• Extensive knowledge of techniques, cuisines, and flavors.
• Experience with menu development, costing, and inventory management.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Solid understanding of food safety, hygiene, and HACCP.
• Proficient in kitchen management software and standard office apps.
• Excellent organizational, time-management, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist Executive Chef with menu planning, development, and costing for events.
• Supervise and mentor kitchen staff to maintain high performance.
• Ensure consistent quality and presentation of all dishes.
• Manage inventory, purchasing, and supplier relationships.
• Oversee kitchen operations during events, including plating.
• Enforce strict food safety and sanitation protocols.
• Contribute to menu innovation and new culinary trends.
• Schedule staff efficiently and conduct performance reviews.
• Uphold the company's reputation for bespoke catering in Durban.

Skills

Leadership

Menu costing

Inventory management

Food safety HACCP

Kitchen management software

Multitasking

Communication

Detail-oriented

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Tools

Kitchen management software

MS Office

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier catering and event management company based in **Durban**, is seeking an exceptionally talented and driven Executive Sous Chef to join their dynamic culinary team. This pivotal role involves supporting the Executive Chef in overseeing all aspects of our client's high-end catering operations. You will be instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and kitchen hygiene, ensuring that every event, from intimate gatherings to large-scale corporate functions, is a resounding culinary success. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in classical and contemporary cuisine, a passion for innovation, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact and grow within a respected organization in the vibrant **KwaZulu-Natal** culinary scene.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef in menu planning, development, and costing for diverse catering events.
• Supervise and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.
• Ensure consistent quality and presentation of all dishes, adhering to our client's stringent standards.
• Manage inventory, food purchasing, and supplier relationships to optimize costs and maintain quality.
• Oversee kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating during events.
• Implement and enforce strict food safety and sanitation protocols, complying with all health regulations.
• Contribute to menu innovation and the development of new culinary trends.
• Maintain efficient kitchen workflow and manage staff scheduling effectively.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to kitchen team members.
• Uphold the reputation of our client as a leader in bespoke catering services in **Durban**.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in a high-volume catering or fine dining establishment, with at least 2 years in a Sous Chef or similar leadership role.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification from a recognized institution.
• Extensive knowledge of various cooking techniques, cuisines, and flavor profiles.
• Proven experience in menu development, costing, and inventory management.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, hygiene, and HACCP principles.
• Proficiency in kitchen management software and standard office applications.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask effectively.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, comfortable interacting with clients and management.
• A keen eye for detail and a passion for culinary excellence.
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by event schedules in **KwaZulu-Natal**.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to work with a highly respected and innovative catering company.
• Access to state-of-the-art kitchen facilities and equipment.
• Professional development and growth opportunities within the organization.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment in **Durban**.
• Contribution to creating memorable culinary experiences for a diverse clientele.
• Potential for bonuses based on performance and company success.