Junior Sous Chef: Lead Kitchen, Mentor Teams

O'Brien Recruitment; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

O'Brien Recruitment is seeking a hands-on senior chef to join a respected hospitality establishment in the Wes-Kaap region. You will work with an experienced culinary leadership team to drive high-quality food, smooth kitchen operations and outstanding guest experiences.

The role emphasizes developing staff, maintaining hygiene standards, cost control, and leading by example during peak periods. A recognised culinary qualification and supervisory experience are essential, with weekend/holiday

Qualifications

• Recognised culinary qualification (NQF 4/5) or equivalent.
• Completed chef apprenticeship or equivalent practical training.
• At least 2–3 years' experience in a similar role within a busy, upmarket hotel or restaurant.
• Strong culinary skills and genuine passion for food.
• Experience supervising kitchen sections and mentoring junior chefs.
• Excellent knowledge of food hygiene, safety and kitchen operations.
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage competing priorities.
• Confidence to delegate, motivate and lead by example.
• Calm, solutions-focused approach when the kitchen gets busy.

Responsibilities

• Support the Sous Chef in the daily running of a busy, high-quality kitchen.
• Lead and coordinate kitchen sections to ensure smooth, efficient service.
• Prepare and present consistently exceptional dishes.
• Mentor and develop junior chefs and trainees.
• Maintain outstanding food quality, hygiene and presentation standards.
• Manage stock levels, portion control and food costs.
• Promote teamwork, accountability and operational excellence.
• Handle special dietary requirements and guest requests with confidence.
• Support sustainable kitchen practices and minimising food waste.
• Step up to lead kitchen operations when required.

Skills

Strong culinary skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Organisational skills

Education

Culinary qualification (NQF 4/5)

Chef apprenticeship

Tools

HACCP knowledge

Job description

O'Brien Recruitment is seeking a hands-on senior chef to join a respected hospitality establishment in the Wes-Kaap region. You will work with an experienced culinary leadership team to drive high-quality food, smooth kitchen operations and outstanding guest experiences.

The role emphasizes developing staff, maintaining hygiene standards, cost control, and leading by example during peak periods. A recognised culinary qualification and supervisory experience are essential, with weekend/holiday