Lead Sous Chef — Creative, High-Volume Kitchen Leader

HotelJobs; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 260,000 - 380,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs in Cape Town seeks an experienced, hands-on Sous Chef to join a high-end dining team. You will support the Head Chef with daily kitchen operations, maintain top-quality dishes and lead the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence.

Lead food preparation and service, coordinate stations, ensure mise en place and portion control, and drive cost-conscious cooking while maintaining quality.

Qualifications

• A recognised culinary qualification or equivalent professional kitchen training.
• Experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef in a high-volume restaurant.
• Proven ability to coordinate busy kitchen services and lead a diverse team.
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, menu execution, dietary requirements and allergens.
• Sound understanding of food safety and kitchen hygiene.
• Good knowledge of recipe costing, yields, portion control, ordering and stock management.
• Strong communication, coaching, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail, remaining composed under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and service, ensuring dishes meet approved recipe, presentation and quality standards.
• Coordinate kitchen sections and allocate resources to maintain efficient service.
• Ensure mise en place, preparation lists, handovers and closing duties are completed accurately.
• Work closely with front-of-house staff to ensure clear communication and smooth service.
• Handle dietary requirements, allergies and special requests according to approved procedures.
• Manage kitchen operations in the Head Chef's absence.
• Assist with recipe testing, seasonal menu changes and new dishes.
• Maintain recipe, yield and plating standards.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Menu development

Dietary knowledge

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

HotelJobs in Cape Town seeks an experienced, hands-on Sous Chef to join a high-end dining team. You will support the Head Chef with daily kitchen operations, maintain top-quality dishes and lead the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence.

Lead food preparation and service, coordinate stations, ensure mise en place and portion control, and drive cost-conscious cooking while maintaining quality.