Senior Sous Chef

Village n Life; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 480,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff housing options

Staff facilities access

Job summary

Camps Bay Retreat, part of Village n Life, is seeking a Senior Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations, delivering exceptional quality and presentation with fresh, seasonal ingredients in a hands-on environment.

You'll lead a dedicated kitchen team, uphold hygiene standards, manage stock and cost controls, help with menu development, and contribute to guest satisfaction at one of Cape Town's premier hospitality destinations.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 or equivalent required.
• Professional Cookery Certificate or Culinary Diploma essential.
• Previous experience in 4-5 star hospitality environment preferred.
• Strong knowledge of kitchen operations, food preparation and hygiene procedures.
• Proactive, hands-on leader with attention to detail and shifts flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Support Head Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations and service.
• Supervise and coordinate food preparation to ensure consistency and quality.
• Assist with menu planning, recipe development and seasonal updates.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented to Village n Life standards.
• Monitor stock levels, ordering and ingredient quality control.
• Minimise wastage and maintain cost-effective kitchen operations.
• Ensure HACCP and food safety standards are consistently followed.
• Maintain cleanliness, organisation and hygiene across kitchen areas and storerooms.
• Supervise and support kitchen staff, ensuring procedures and standards are followed.
• Assist with rostering, staff training and kitchen administration.
• Monitor kitchen equipment to keep it clean and in working order.
• Collaborate with broader team to ensure efficient service and guest satisfaction.
• Assist with stock takes and reporting requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisational skills

Team management

Attention to detail

Education

Grade 12 or equivalent

Professional Cookery Certificate or Culinary Diploma

Job description

This role forms part of the kitchen team at Camps Bay Retreat, within the Village n Life hospitality group.

The Role

As Senior Sous Chef, you’ll support the Head Chef in leading daily kitchen operations while delivering exceptional food quality and presentation standards. This role is suited to a passionate and driven culinary professional who enjoys working with fresh ingredients, seasonal menus and a hands-on kitchen environment. You’ll assist in managing the kitchen team, maintaining hygiene standards and ensuring smooth service delivery across the restaurant operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations and service
• Supervise and coordinate food preparation ensuring consistency and quality standards are maintained
• Assist with menu planning, recipe development and seasonal menu updates
• Ensure all food is prepared and presented according to Village n Life standards
• Monitor stock levels, ordering and ingredient quality control
• Minimise wastage and maintain cost-effective kitchen operations
• Ensure HACCP and food safety standards are consistently followed
• Maintain cleanliness, organisation and hygiene across kitchen areas, storerooms and refrigeration spaces
• Supervise and support kitchen staff ensuring procedures and standards are followed
• Assist with rostering, staff training and kitchen administration
• Monitor kitchen equipment ensuring all items remain clean and in working order
• Collaborate with the wider team to ensure efficient service and guest satisfaction
• Assist with stock takes and reporting requirements
• Contribute to a positive and professional kitchen culture

What We’re Looking For

• Grade 12 or equivalent qualification
• Professional Cookery Certificate or Culinary Diploma essential
• Previous experience in the same or similar role within a 4 or 5-star hospitality environment
• Strong knowledge of kitchen operations, food preparation and hygiene procedures
• Passion for fresh ingredients, presentation and quality-driven dining
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills
• Ability to multitask and perform well under pressure
• A proactive and hands-on team player with attention to detail
• Ability to work shifts and flexible hospitality hours

What We Offer

• A professional environment within one of Cape Town's most sought-after hospitality destinations
• Growth and training opportunities within Village n Life
• Staff housing options and access to staff facilities
• Competitive package aligned with experience