Executive Sous Chef (Michelin-Star Potential)

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Career growth

Prestigious establishment

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria-based fine-dining seeks an Executive Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in culinary excellence and innovation. You will help drive exquisite cuisine and impeccable service in a high-profile setting.

You will lead a dynamic kitchen, develop menus, manage costs, and mentor staff, with a pathway toward Michelin-level prestige in a fast-paced urban environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-volume fine-dining setting.
• Proficient in classical and modern culinary techniques.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, and portion control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Willing to relocate to Pretoria, Gauteng; culinary degree essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative, seasonal menus with the Head Chef.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring top food quality and presentation.
• Lead and mentor junior chefs and kitchen staff.
• Manage inventory and control food costs.
• Ensure health, safety and sanitation compliance (HACCP).
• Contribute to menu costing and achieving kitchen financial targets.
• Maintain consistency in dish preparation and plating across services.
• Source high-quality ingredients and build supplier relationships.
• Foster a positive, productive kitchen environment.
• Step in to lead the kitchen when the Head Chef is absent.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

Food cost

Inventory

HACCP

Team leadership

Pressure tolerance

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a critically acclaimed fine-dining restaurant in Pretoria, is seeking an ambitious and talented Executive Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in driving culinary excellence and innovation. This role is pivotal in maintaining the restaurant's reputation for exquisite cuisine and impeccable service, with aspirations for Michelin recognition. You will be involved in all aspects of kitchen operations, from menu development and execution to team leadership and quality control. The ideal candidate possesses a refined palate, exceptional technical skills, and a relentless passion for creating unforgettable dining experiences. This is a prime opportunity to contribute to a high‑profile culinary team in a dynamic urban setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in developing innovative and seasonal menus that adhere to the restaurant's culinary vision.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food preparation, quality, and presentation.
• Supervise, train, and mentor junior chefs and kitchen staff, fostering a culture of excellence and teamwork.
• Manage inventory, control food costs, and ensure efficient utilization of ingredients.
• Maintain strict adherence to all health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Collaborate on menu costing and contribute to achieving financial targets for the kitchen.
• Ensure consistency in dish preparation and plating across all services.
• Participate in sourcing high-quality ingredients and building relationships with suppliers.
• Contribute to a positive and productive kitchen environment.
• Step in to lead the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-volume, fine-dining restaurant, preferably with fine-dining or Michelin-star experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in classical and modern culinary techniques.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, and portion control.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• A passion for quality ingredients and culinary innovation.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training is essential.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards (e.g., HACCP).
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Pretoria, Gauteng.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-based incentives, comprehensive health insurance, and opportunities for professional growth within a highly respected culinary establishment.
• You will work alongside a talented team, gain invaluable experience in a demanding and rewarding environment, and contribute to a restaurant with significant culinary prestige.