Senior Sous Chef - Fine Dining Catering

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 360,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a prestigious catering company in George, Western Cape, to recruit a Senior Sous Chef who will work with the Head Chef to run daily kitchen operations and mentor the team. This role focuses on delivering exceptional menus and flawless service for exclusive events.

You will oversee menu creation, supervise kitchen brigades, maintain high standards of food safety, and optimize inventory.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-volume catering or fine dining establishment.
• Culinary degree or recognized professional qualification.
• Expertise in various cooking techniques with strong knowledge of classic and contemporary cuisine.
• Proven leadership abilities with experience in managing a kitchen team.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP a plus).
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks.
• Creative flair and a passion for delivering exceptional food quality and presentation.
• Strong organizational and inventory management skills.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and public holidays for event-based work in George.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to George, Western Cape.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in planning and executing menus for events, ensuring high culinary standards.
• Supervise and coordinate the kitchen brigade.
• Ensure dishes meet quality, presentation and consistency standards.
• Manage inventory and place orders to minimize waste.
• Uphold hygiene, sanitation and food safety protocols.
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff.
• Contribute ideas for new dishes and menu development.
• Oversee kitchen operations during service for smooth workflow.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure it is functional.
• Collaborate with catering management to ensure client satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Quality control

Inventory management

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished catering company based in George, Western Cape , is seeking a talented and driven Senior Sous Chef to join their elite culinary team. This role is essential for maintaining and elevating the exceptional quality of food served at exclusive events. The Senior Sous Chef will work closely with the Head Chef to oversee daily kitchen operations, mentor junior culinary staff, and contribute to the creation of exquisite menus. If you have a passion for gourmet cuisine, a meticulous eye for detail, and thrive in a high-pressure, creative environment, this is an unparalleled opportunity to advance your career in the vibrant culinary scene of the Western Cape . You will be instrumental in delivering unforgettable dining experiences that define our client's brand of excellence in George .

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in planning and executing menus for a wide range of events, ensuring high culinary standards.
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of the kitchen brigade, including commis chefs and chefs de partie.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared to the highest quality, presentation, and consistency standards.
• Manage inventory levels, place orders for ingredients, and maintain stock control to minimize waste.
• Uphold strict hygiene, sanitation, and food safety protocols in the kitchen at all times.
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff, fostering a culture of learning and professional growth.
• Contribute creative ideas for new dishes and menu development.
• Oversee kitchen operations during service, ensuring smooth workflow and timely preparation of food.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure it is in good working order.
• Collaborate with the catering management team to ensure client satisfaction.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-volume catering or fine dining establishment.
• Culinary degree or recognized professional qualification.
• Expertise in various cooking techniques and a strong understanding of classic and contemporary cuisine.
• Proven leadership abilities with experience in managing and motivating a kitchen team.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations (HACCP certification is a plus).
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Creative flair and a passion for delivering exceptional food quality and presentation.
• Strong organizational and inventory management skills.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, crucial for event-based work in George .
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to George, Western Cape .

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for professional development. You will work in a dynamic and supportive kitchen environment within the beautiful surroundings of the Western Cape . Our client provides a platform for culinary innovation and career progression. Employees can expect regular performance reviews, potential for advancement within the company, and the satisfaction of contributing to high-profile events. Enjoy working with premium ingredients and cutting-edge kitchen technology in George .