Executive Sous Chef

Dixie Recruitment; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Executive Sous Chef for a luxury safari resort in Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa. In this role, you'll support the Executive Chef in managing kitchen operations, ensuring food quality, and developing a skilled culinary team. The ideal candidate has proven experience in a five-star hospitality environment, strong culinary skills, and effective team management abilities. This role offers a live-in opportunity with exciting challenges.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a luxury hotel or lodge environment.
• Strong all-round culinary skills with experience in modern and traditional cuisine.
• Previous experience in a five-star or luxury hospitality kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in the day-to-day management of kitchen operations.
• Supervise food preparation and production to ensure quality, consistency, and presentation standards.
• Lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff, maintaining discipline and grooming standards.

Skills

Culinary skills

Leadership

Communication

Food safety standards

Team management

Job description

Executive Sous Chef (Safari Resort) | KZN, Live-in

We are seeking an experienced Executive Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in managing all kitchen operations at a luxury Big 5 safari lodge based in Kwa-Zulu Natal. As second-in-command, this role is responsible for ensuring consistent food quality, smooth daily kitchen operations, and the development and supervision of a skilled culinary team, in line with five-star lodge standards.

• Proven experience as an Executive Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a luxury hotel or lodge environment
• Strong all-round culinary skills with experience in modern and traditional cuisine
• Previous experience in a five-star or luxury hospitality kitchen
• Sound knowledge of food costing, stock control, and kitchen administration
• Strong leadership, communication, and team‑management skills
• Thorough understanding of health, hygiene, and food safety standards
• Ability to work long hours, weekends, and public holidays

Duties

• Support the Executive Chef in the day-to-day management of kitchen operations
• Supervise food preparation and production to ensure quality, consistency, and presentation standards
• Ensure adherence to recipes, portion control, and plating guidelines
• Lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff, maintaining discipline and grooming standards
• Oversee cleanliness, hygiene, equipment use, and food safety compliance
• Assist with menu planning, costing, and seasonal menu development
• Monitor food costs, stock levels, and wastage
• Step into the role of Executive Chef when required

We will be in contact with shortlisted candidates who meet the requirements detailed above. If you have not received a reply within 2 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful.

By applying, you confirm that:

• We may retain your personal information in our database for future matching of suitable opportunities
• We may contact you when suitable opportunities arise
• The information you have provided to us is true, correct and up to date