Lead Sous Chef: High-Volume, Fast-Paced Kitchen

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based incentives

Career growth opportunities

Dynamic team environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a talented Sous Chef for a busy restaurant in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will work with Head Chef to manage daily kitchen operations, supervise cooks, and ensure quality and consistency of dishes while contributing to menu development.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of culinary experience, with 2 years in supervision, strong leadership, and excellent food safety knowledge. Shifts include evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years culinary experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role such as Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-volume restaurant setting.
• Culinary qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a kitchen team.
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, food preparation, and presentation.
• Excellent understanding of food safety, hygiene, and sanitation practices.
• Experience with inventory control and cost management.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in overseeing all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and expediting.
• Supervise and mentor kitchen staff, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared according to established recipes and quality standards.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Assist with inventory management, stock rotation, and minimizing food waste.
• Contribute to menu planning and the development of new dishes and specials.
• Manage kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is properly maintained and functional.
• Control portion sizes and presentation to maintain consistency and manage costs.
• Collaborate with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service flow.

Education

Culinary qualification

5+ years experience

Supervisory leadership

Food safety knowledge

Menu development

Inventory control

Communication

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a talented Sous Chef for a busy restaurant in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will work with Head Chef to manage daily kitchen operations, supervise cooks, and ensure quality and consistency of dishes while contributing to menu development.

The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of culinary experience, with 2 years in supervision, strong leadership, and excellent food safety knowledge. Shifts include evenings, weekends, and public holidays.