Senior Chef: Lead Dinner Service & Menu Innovation

Craven Cottage CC; Roodepoort; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 450,000; Full time

Job summary

Craven Cottage CC in Roodepoort, Gauteng, is seeking an experienced Senior Chef to lead kitchen operations during dinner service. You will oversee preparation, portion control, and plating, while ensuring safety, hygiene and consistent quality.

Responsibilities include managing a busy dinner service, training staff, menu development, food costing and stock management. The role requires strong leadership, calm decision-making under pressure, and availability for evenings, weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Senior Chef, Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager in a busy restaurant.
• Relevant culinary qualification advantageous.
• Strong practical cooking skills and the ability to run a kitchen independently.
• Experience managing busy dinner services and coordinating multiple orders.
• Good understanding of food costing, portion control and stock management.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to consistent quality.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Availability to work evening shifts, weekends and public holidays.

Responsibilities

• Oversee kitchen preparation and evening service.
• Ensure all sections are prepared and adequately stocked before service.
• Prepare and present dishes consistently according to recipes, portion controls and plating standards.
• Coordinate orders and manage service flow to ensure meals are delivered on time.
• Check dishes for flavour, temperature, quality and presentation before they leave the kitchen.
• Supervise, train and support kitchen staff.
• Assist with menu development and daily specials.
• Monitor stock levels, communicate ordering requirements and maintain correct storage and rotation.
• Control food costs through portion management, waste reduction and efficient ingredient use.
• Accommodate dietary requirements and allergies carefully.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness, food safety and hygiene standards.
• Ensure equipment is used correctly and report maintenance requirements.
• Complete kitchen closing procedures and ensure food is stored safely after service.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Decision making under pressure

Evening/weekend/holiday availability

Independent kitchen management

Culinary skills

Food safety

Education

Relevant culinary qualification

Job description

Craven Cottage CC in Roodepoort, Gauteng, is seeking an experienced Senior Chef to lead kitchen operations during dinner service. You will oversee preparation, portion control, and plating, while ensuring safety, hygiene and consistent quality.

Responsibilities include managing a busy dinner service, training staff, menu development, food costing and stock management. The role requires strong leadership, calm decision-making under pressure, and availability for evenings, weekends and holidays.