Junior Sous Chef: Lead Kitchen to Excellence

O'Brien Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 650,000; Full time

Job summary

O'Brien Recruitment is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to join a busy, upmarket kitchen in Cape Town. You will support the daily running of the kitchen, lead sections, and mentor junior chefs while maintaining exceptional quality and standards.

You'll manage stock, cost controls and guest dietary needs with a calm, solutions-focused approach. Flexibility for shifts, weekends and public holidays is essential to ensure seamless operations.

Qualifications

• A recognised culinary qualification, preferably NQF Level 4 or 5.
• A completed chef apprenticeship or equivalent practical culinary training.
• At least 2 to 3 years' experience in a similar role within a busy, upmarket hotel or restaurant.
• Strong culinary skills and a genuine passion for food.
• Previous experience supervising kitchen sections and mentoring junior chefs.
• Excellent knowledge of food hygiene, safety and kitchen operations.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Confidence to delegate, motivate and lead by example.
• A calm, solutions-focused approach when the kitchen gets busy.
• Flexibility to work shifts, weekends and public holidays.

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 minimise food waste.
• Step up to lead kitchen operations when required.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Team management

Mentoring junior chefs

Food hygiene

Organisational skills

Delegate and lead

Calm and solutions-focused

Shift flexibility

Education

Culinary qualification

Chef apprenticeship

Job description

O'Brien Recruitment is seeking a hands-on Sous Chef to join a busy, upmarket kitchen in Cape Town. You will support the daily running of the kitchen, lead sections, and mentor junior chefs while maintaining exceptional quality and standards.

You'll manage stock, cost controls and guest dietary needs with a calm, solutions-focused approach. Flexibility for shifts, weekends and public holidays is essential to ensure seamless operations.