Senior Sous Chef

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 550,000 - 850,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Staff meals

Discounts on food & beverages

Professional development & workshops

Modern kitchen facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town seeks a Senior Sous Chef to assist the Head Chef in managing kitchen operations, developing menus, and ensuring the consistent delivery of exceptional dishes.

The role requires 5+ years of progressive kitchen experience with 2 years in a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie role, plus strong leadership and cost-control skills. You will lead a busy, high-pressure kitchen while upholding HACCP standards.

Qualifications

• Professional culinary qualification or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in professional kitchens, with at least 2 years in a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie role.
• Proficiency in a wide range of culinary techniques across various cuisines.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in menu planning, development, and recipe standardization.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth workflow and timely execution of dishes.
• Supervise and mentor junior kitchen staff, providing training and guidance on culinary techniques and standards.
• Ensure consistent quality, taste, and presentation of all food prepared in the kitchen.
• Manage inventory, control food costs, and maintain optimal stock levels.
• Enforce strict food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef to manage supplier relationships and source high-quality ingredients.
• Step in to lead the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Contribute to a positive and productive kitchen environment.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Kitchen management

Food costing & inventory

HACCP knowledge

Staff training

Education

Professional culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly regarded restaurant in the bustling **Cape Town, Western Cape**, is seeking an accomplished and passionate Senior Sous Chef to join their esteemed culinary team. This critical role involves assisting the Head Chef in managing kitchen operations, developing menus, and ensuring the consistent delivery of exceptional dishes. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in various culinary techniques, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. You will be instrumental in maintaining the restaurant's reputation for culinary excellence and providing a memorable dining experience for patrons. This position offers a significant opportunity for professional growth within a dynamic and respected culinary establishment in **Cape Town**.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in menu planning, development, and recipe standardization.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth workflow and timely execution of dishes.
• Supervise and mentor junior kitchen staff, providing training and guidance on culinary techniques and standards.
• Ensure consistent quality, taste, and presentation of all food prepared in the kitchen.
• Manage inventory, control food costs, and maintain optimal stock levels.
• Enforce strict food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef to manage supplier relationships and source high-quality ingredients.
• Step in to lead the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Contribute to a positive and productive kitchen environment.

Requirements

• Professional culinary qualification or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in professional kitchens, with at least 2 years in a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie role.
• Proficiency in a wide range of culinary techniques across various cuisines.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage and motivate a team effectively.
• Excellent understanding of food costing, inventory management, and cost control.
• In‑depth knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards (e.g., HACCP).
• Ability to work under pressure, manage time efficiently, and adapt to changing demands.
• A genuine passion for food and a commitment to culinary excellence.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive annual salary of R, commensurate with experience. Performance-based bonuses are available, rewarding excellence and contribution to the restaurant's success. You will work in a state‑of‑the‑art kitchen facility equipped with modern culinary tools. Opportunities for professional development, including advanced culinary training and workshops, will be provided. Employees enjoy staff meals and significant discounts on food and beverages. This is a fantastic opportunity to advance your career in the vibrant culinary scene of **Cape Town**, **Western Cape**, **South Africa**, within a highly respected dining establishment.