Lead Sous Chef - Fine Dining Restaurant

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 720,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career advancement opportunities

Complimentary staff meals

Dynamic, high-profile kitchen

Supportive work culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Sous Chef for a renowned Durban fine-dining establishment. The role involves partnering with the Executive Chef to oversee daily kitchen operations, mentor junior staff, and uphold culinary excellence.

You will develop specials, manage food costs, and ensure top-tier service in a high-caliber KwaZulu-Natal kitchen, with flexibility for evenings and weekends. Durban experience is highly valued.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years in a high-volume, quality-focused kitchen.
• At least 2 years in a Sous Chef or leadership role.
• Proven expertise in classical and contemporary cooking techniques.
• Strong kitchen management, food costing, and inventory control.
• Ability to lead and mentor staff in a fast-paced Durban restaurant.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations and training staff.
• Lead the kitchen in the Executive Chef's absence, ensuring service quality.
• Develop daily specials and contribute to menu engineering.
• Oversee food prep, cooking, and presentation to recipes.
• Manage inventory, control food costs, and minimize waste.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Mentor and develop junior chefs.
• Collaborate on menu costings and pricing.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Food costing

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent certification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a critically acclaimed fine‑dining establishment in Durban, is seeking an accomplished and innovative Lead Sous Chef. This position is ideal for a culinary professional looking to take on greater responsibility and contribute to the artistic direction of a high‑caliber kitchen. The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Chef to oversee daily operations, mentor junior staff, and uphold the restaurant's reputation for culinary excellence and impeccable service. This role offers a dynamic career opportunity within the thriving KwaZulu‑Natal food scene, focusing on contemporary cuisine with a strong emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef in managing all kitchen operations, including staff supervision, scheduling, and training.
• Take charge of the kitchen in the absence of the Executive Chef, ensuring smooth service and consistent quality.
• Develop and execute daily specials, contributing innovative ideas to the à la carte menu.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation, ensuring adherence to established recipes and quality standards.
• Maintain strict inventory control, manage food costs, and minimize waste.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations.
• Train and develop commis chefs and demi chefs, fostering their culinary skills and professional growth.
• Uphold the restaurant's reputation for exceptional cuisine and dining experience.
• Collaborate on menu engineering and costing.

Requirements

• A minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in a high‑volume, quality‑focused kitchen environment, with at least 2 years in a Sous Chef or similar leadership role.
• Demonstrated expertise in classical and contemporary cooking techniques.
• Strong understanding of kitchen management, food costing, and inventory control.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a kitchen team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional certification is highly desirable.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced Durban restaurant setting.
• Creativity and a passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting experience and skills.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and professional development in Durban.
• Work within a renowned culinary team focused on innovation and quality.
• Exposure to diverse culinary techniques and high‑profile clientele.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Complimentary staff meals and a supportive work culture.