Executive Sous Chef - High-End Catering

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting an Executive Sous Chef to lead culinary operations in Cape Town, delivering refined menus for prestigious events, overseeing kitchen staff, and ensuring top-tier food presentation.

The role requires 7+ years in professional kitchens, 3+ years as Sous Chef, a culinary degree, strong leadership, cost control, HACCP knowledge, and flexibility for events including nights and weekends.

Qualifications

• 7+ years progressive experience in professional kitchens, with at least 3 years in a Sous Chef or Executive Sous Chef role.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification from a recognized institution.
• Extensive knowledge of various cooking techniques, global cuisines, and plating styles.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a kitchen team effectively.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Executive Chef in menu planning, development, and costing for diverse catering events.
• Supervises and directs kitchen staff, including commis chefs, chefs de partie, and kitchen porters.
• Manages inventory, procurement of high-quality ingredients, and supplier relationships.
• Maintains rigorous standards of food hygiene, safety, and sanitation in all kitchen operations.
• Ensures consistent food quality, taste, and presentation across all dishes prepared for events.
• Assists in training and mentoring kitchen team members, fostering a culture of learning and skill development.
• Conducts regular kitchen inspections and implements corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborates with the event management team to ensure culinary requirements are met seamlessly.

Skills

Leadership

Menu costing

Food safety

Inventory management

Team mentoring

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier catering and hospitality group renowned for its exceptional culinary creations and flawless event execution, is actively seeking an experienced and passionate Executive Sous Chef to lead its culinary operations in Cape Town . This is a demanding yet incredibly rewarding position for a chef who thrives in a fast-paced environment and possesses a deep understanding of fine dining and large‑scale event catering. You will play a crucial role in developing innovative menus, managing kitchen staff, ensuring the highest standards of food quality and presentation, and contributing to the overall success of prestigious events across Cape Town . The successful candidate will bring a refined palate, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to culinary excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Assists the Executive Chef in menu planning, development, and costing for diverse catering events, from intimate gatherings to large-scale functions.
• Supervises and directs kitchen staff, including commis chefs, chefs de partie, and kitchen porters, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to recipes and standards.
• Manages inventory, procurement of high-quality ingredients, and supplier relationships to ensure cost-effectiveness and availability.
• Maintains rigorous standards of food hygiene, safety, and sanitation in all kitchen operations, complying with all relevant regulations.
• Ensures consistent food quality, taste, and presentation across all dishes prepared for events.
• Assists in training and mentoring kitchen team members, fostering a culture of learning and skill development.
• Conducts regular kitchen inspections and implements corrective actions as needed.
• Collaborates with the event management team to ensure culinary requirements are met seamlessly.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in professional kitchens, with at least 3 years in a Sous Chef or Executive Sous Chef role, preferably in high-volume catering or fine dining.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional qualification from a recognized institution.
• Extensive knowledge of various cooking techniques, global cuisines, and plating styles.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and manage a kitchen team effectively.
• Strong understanding of food cost control, inventory management, and procurement processes.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations (e.g., HACCP).
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks, and meet strict deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Creative flair and a passion for developing new dishes and concepts.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and public holidays, as required by event schedules in Cape Town .

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary package, reflective of your experience and expertise. Benefits include comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and performance-based incentives. Opportunities for professional growth and development within a prestigious organization are abundant. You will work in state‑of‑the‑art kitchen facilities in Cape Town and be part of a talented team dedicated to culinary artistry. Gain exposure to a wide range of high-profile events and expand your culinary repertoire. Our client is committed to fostering a supportive and stimulating work environment.