Sous Chef

OCS; East London; On-site; ZAR 661 000 - 883 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading facilities management company located in South Africa is seeking a skilled professional to support kitchen management and menu development. You will oversee food preparation and ensure quality, as well as manage inventory. The ideal candidate has proven experience in contract catering, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to mentor a team. This role provides the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with a focus on customer satisfaction and culinary excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in contract catering and team management.
• Able to handle fast-paced environments and changing demands.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support menu planning and development alongside the Head Chef.
• Oversee kitchen preparation and cooking activities.
• Manage inventory and ordering of fresh ingredients.
• Maintain culinary standards and quality control.

Skills

Team management

Customer service

Leadership

Culinary skills

Microsoft Office

Time management

Education

Level 2 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent

Job description

About The Company

OCS UK & Ireland is a leading facilities management company with 50,000+ colleagues and a turnover in excess of £2bn. We deliver innovative, award-winning services within facilities management, hard services, cleaning, security and catering.

Our mission is to make people and places the best they can be for our colleagues, customers and the communities we serve. Our commitment to doing business the right way is rooted in our TRUE values - Trust, Respect, Unity, and Empowerment.

About The Role

Shift Pattern: 4 days from 7

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef/Chef Manager on site in menu planning and development, creating new menu options based on seasonal changes and customer demand.
• Support the senior Chef on site or in the absence of the senior manager by overseeing the preparation and cooking of food, ensuring kitchen activities operate in a timely manner.
• In the absence of the site manager, support by managing inventory, ensuring that the kitchen remains adequately stocked with fresh ingredients and culinary necessities; handle ordering new supplies as necessary when the senior manager is not on site.
• Maintain high culinary standards and quality control, ensuring all food products to be prepared are in line with company recipes.

What We Are Looking For

• Proven and extensive experience in the production of food and service within Contract Catering and team management.
• Possesses a Level 2 in Catering and Hospitality or equivalent.
• Proven leadership, with the ability to mentor and motivate a team of chefs.
• Experienced in building relationships with clients and staff, ensuring that the client's expectations are met every day.
• Can work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing demands.

The Ideal Candidate Should Meet

• Must have the Right to Work in the UK.
• Demonstrate the ability to lead and manage teams effectively.
• Understand financial management, budgeting, and cost control.
• Excellent customer service skills are essential.
• Can handle varied situations and find practical solutions.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Good time-management and organisational abilities.
• Competent with Microsoft Office tools, especially Excel.

How to Apply

If you are interested in joining a business that encourages professional development, career progression and the chance to work with inspirational people, please click apply and register your interest! You can also sign up to our job alerts when registering which will notify you when other suitable vacancies are available.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer and rely on a diverse workforce with a broad range of knowledge, skills, and backgrounds to deliver our goals. We offer an inclusive and welcoming environment and actively encourage applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age.