Senior Sous Chef - Fine Dining Restaurant

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized meals

Educational opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Sous Chef for a premier Cape Town fine dining venue. You will partner with the Head Chef to drive menu development, oversee service, and mentor junior chefs in a high-pressure kitchen.

The ideal candidate combines classical and contemporary techniques with strong leadership, organizational skills, and a commitment to exceptional food quality and presentation in a world‑class dining setting.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Sous Chef in fine dining.
• Formal culinary training or equivalent experience.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Knowledge of HACCP and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Chef with menu planning, recipe development, and costing.
• Oversee kitchen operations during shifts for smooth service.
• Train and mentor junior chefs and kitchen staff.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, taste, and presentation.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation, ordering to control costs.
• Collaborate with Front of House for seamless service.
• Enforce kitchen hygiene and sanitation policies.
• Help manage food and labor costs within budget.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary expertise

Food safety (HACCP)

Time management

Kitchen software

Cost control

Education

Formal culinary training

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a critically acclaimed fine dining establishment in the picturesque **Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA**, is seeking a highly skilled and creative Senior Sous Chef. This is a demanding yet rewarding position for a culinary professional passionate about innovation and excellence. You will work closely with the Head Chef to manage daily kitchen operations, develop new menu items, and ensure the highest standards of food quality and presentation. This role requires a strong understanding of classical and contemporary culinary techniques, exceptional leadership abilities, and a commitment to maintaining a pristine and efficient kitchen environment. You will play a key role in mentoring junior kitchen staff and contributing to the overall success and reputation of one of Cape Town's premier dining destinations. The ideal candidate thrives in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment and possesses an unwavering dedication to culinary artistry.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in menu planning, recipe development, and costing.
• Oversee kitchen operations during shifts, ensuring smooth execution of service.
• Supervise, train, and mentor junior chefs and kitchen staff.
• Maintain rigorous standards of food quality, taste, and presentation.
• Ensure all food preparation and handling adheres to strict health and safety regulations.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation, and ordering of ingredients to minimize waste and control costs.
• Collaborate with the Front of House team to ensure seamless communication between kitchen and dining areas.
• Contribute to maintaining a positive and productive work environment in the kitchen.
• Implement and enforce kitchen hygiene and sanitation policies.
• Assist in controlling food and labor costs within budgetary guidelines.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or similar role in a reputable fine dining or upscale restaurant.
• Formal culinary training or equivalent extensive experience.
• In-depth knowledge of various cooking methods, cuisines, and presentation techniques.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
• Proficiency in kitchen management software and cost control measures.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing demands.
• A passion for food, creativity, and maintaining high culinary standards.
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene standards (e.g., HACCP).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, along with performance-based incentives and opportunities for professional growth within a highly respected culinary team. You will gain invaluable experience working with top-tier ingredients and alongside acclaimed chefs. Enjoy a dynamic work environment, the chance to contribute to award-winning cuisine, and the satisfaction of working in a vibrant culinary scene in **Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA**.
• Additional benefits include subsidized meals and opportunities for further culinary education and development.