Senior Sous Chef - Diverse Catering

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development

Excellent kitchen facilities

Supportive team

Diverse clientele experiences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Sous Chef for our East London-based catering operation in the Eastern Cape. You will support the Executive Chef, oversee daily kitchen activities, and ensure top-quality, creative dishes for weddings, corporate functions, and private parties.

The ideal candidate has 6+ years of culinary experience, formal training, strong leadership, and a proven track record in high-volume settings.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 years of progressive culinary experience, with ≥3 years in a Sous Chef or leadership role.
• Formal culinary training or an equivalent recognized qualification.
• Proficiency in a wide range of cooking techniques and cuisines.
• Experience with menu planning, costing, and inventory management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and manage time efficiently.
• Thorough understanding of food safety regulations (HACCP).
• Ability to multitask and adapt in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating.
• Supervise and mentor junior chefs and kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Ensure consistency in taste, quality, and presentation of all dishes.
• Assist in menu development, recipe standardization, and costing.
• Manage inventory levels, conduct stock takes, and participate in ordering supplies.
• Uphold strict food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards in compliance with regulations.
• Contribute to efficient kitchen workflow and event readiness.
• Assist with staff training, performance evaluations, and scheduling.
• Handle specific culinary responsibilities during events as directed by the Executive Chef.
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and all culinary equipment.
• Represent the culinary standards of our client in East London.

Skills

Leadership

Menu costing

Inventory management

Food safety HACCP

Time management

Communication

Culinary techniques

Education

Formal culinary training

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and reputable catering company operating across the **Eastern Cape**, is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Senior Sous Chef to join their culinary leadership team based in **East London**. This pivotal role involves assisting the Executive Chef in managing all kitchen operations, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, creativity, and presentation for a diverse portfolio of events, including weddings, corporate functions, and private parties. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in culinary arts, proven leadership capabilities, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume catering environment. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to a respected organization and further develop your career within the vibrant culinary landscape of **East London**.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating.
• Supervise and mentor junior chefs and kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and efficient team environment.
• Ensure consistency in taste, quality, and presentation of all dishes served.
• Assist in menu development, recipe standardization, and costing.
• Manage inventory levels, conduct stock takes, and participate in ordering supplies.
• Uphold strict food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards in compliance with regulations.
• Contribute to maintaining efficient kitchen workflow and operational readiness for all events.
• Assist with staff training, performance evaluations, and scheduling.
• Handle specific culinary responsibilities during events as directed by the Executive Chef.
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the kitchen and all culinary equipment.
• Represent the culinary standards of our client in **East London**.

Requirements

• Minimum of 6 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 3 years in a Sous Chef or similar leadership role within a high-volume catering or fine dining setting.
• Formal culinary training or equivalent recognized qualification.
• Proficiency in a wide range of cooking techniques and cuisines.
• Experience with menu planning, costing, and inventory management.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure and manage time efficiently.
• Thorough understanding of food safety regulations and best practices (e.g., HACCP).
• Ability to adapt to changing demands and multitask in a dynamic environment.
• A keen eye for detail and a passion for culinary excellence.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by event schedules in the **Eastern Cape**.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to work with a leading catering company in **East London**.
• Access to excellent kitchen facilities and high-quality ingredients.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• A dynamic and supportive team environment.
• Be part of creating exceptional culinary experiences for a diverse clientele.