Senior Sous Chef - Boutique Hotel & Spa

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Staff accommodation assistance

Professional development opportunities

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

A luxurious boutique hotel and spa in East London, Eastern Cape, is seeking a talented Senior Sous Chef to work closely with the Head Chef on menu development, food preparation, and kitchen management across all outlets.

The role requires 3–5 years in a similar position, strong leadership, strict hygiene, and the ability to operate under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Relocation to East London is expected where applicable.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in a Sous Chef role or similar with significant responsibility.
• Proven cooking, food preparation, and presentation techniques.
• Strong understanding of kitchen management, inventory control, and cost management.
• Strong leadership and the ability to motivate and guide a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Culinary qualifications or vocational training preferred.
• Based in East London, Eastern Cape, or willing to relocate.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Chef in menu planning, recipe development, and implementation for all food outlets.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and adherence to standards.
• Supervise and mentor junior kitchen staff, providing training and guidance.
• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes to high standards, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and stock rotation to control costs and minimize waste.
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene across all kitchen areas.
• Collaborate with Head Chef on events, banquets, and catering.
• Lead staff training sessions on culinary techniques and safety.
• Deputize for Head Chef in their absence.

Skills

Menu development

Staff supervision

Kitchen management

Food safety

Leadership

Communication

Education

Culinary qualifications / vocational training

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a luxurious boutique hotel and spa renowned for its exquisite dining experiences in East London , is seeking a talented and ambitious Senior Sous Chef. This role is ideal for a culinary professional looking to take on greater responsibility and contribute significantly to a high-quality kitchen environment. The Senior Sous Chef will work closely with the Head Chef in all aspects of kitchen management, including menu development, food preparation, staff supervision, and maintaining impeccable standards of quality and hygiene. You will play a crucial role in delivering exceptional culinary offerings across the hotel's restaurants, room service, and event catering. This is a rewarding opportunity to advance your career in a beautiful coastal setting in the Eastern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in menu planning, recipe development, and implementation for all food outlets.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and adherence to standards.
• Supervise and mentor junior kitchen staff, providing training and guidance.
• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes to the highest standards, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and stock rotation to control food costs and minimize waste.
• Ensure all kitchen areas are maintained to the highest levels of cleanliness and hygiene.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef on special events, banquets, and catering functions.
• Assist in conducting staff training sessions on culinary techniques, food safety, and service standards.
• Deputize for the Head Chef in their absence.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of culinary trends and best practices.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a Sous Chef or a strong Commis Chef with significant responsibility in a reputable hotel or restaurant.
• Proven ability in cooking, food preparation, and presentation techniques.
• Good understanding of kitchen management, inventory control, and cost management principles.
• Strong leadership potential and the ability to motivate and guide a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations is essential.
• Culinary qualifications or relevant vocational training are preferred.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to East London , Eastern Cape.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience,
• along with staff accommodation assistance and opportunities for professional development within the hotel group.
• You will be part of a dedicated and professional team, working in a stimulating and supportive environment.
• This role provides excellent career progression opportunities in the vibrant hospitality sector of East London .