Sous Chef

Zeebra Junction Specialist Recruitment; Hoedspruit; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Meals on duty

Uniform provided

Laundry service

Training & development

Career growth

Job summary

Zeebra Junction Specialist Recruitment is sourcing an experienced Sous Chef for a luxury five-star safari lodge in the Greater Kruger region, Limpopo. The role offers live-in accommodation and the opportunity to lead a small kitchen team in delivering exceptional, personally tailored dining experiences for international guests.

You will work under the Executive Chef to craft innovative, beautifully presented cuisine, maintain HACCP standards, and manage menus, stock and costs in a fast-paced,

Qualifications

• Professional Culinary Qualification or Diploma.
• 3–5 years’ experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie.
• Experience in Luxury Safari Lodges, Five-Star Hotels, or boutique lodges.
• Excellent knowledge of international cuisine.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• High standards of food presentation.
• Good understanding of food hygiene and HACCP.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and guest-focused service.
• Passion for hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in day-to-day kitchen management.
• Produce five-star cuisine to the highest standards.
• Lead kitchen operations in the Executive Chef's absence.
• Ensure consistency in food quality, presentation and service.
• Assist with menu planning, recipe development and seasonal changes.
• Cater for international guests and dietary requirements.
• Mentor and develop junior kitchen staff.
• Maintain strict food hygiene and HACCP standards.
• Assist with stock control, purchasing and food cost management.
• Minimise waste and maximise kitchen efficiency.
• Deliver memorable dining experiences (bush breakfasts, boma dinners, private dining).

Skills

Culinary expertise

Leadership

Menu planning

HACCP knowledge

Staff coaching

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts

Job description

Sous Chef

Luxury Five-Star Safari Lodge | Greater Kruger Region, Limpopo, South Africa

Live-In Position

Our client, an exclusive luxury five-star safari lodge located in the Greater Kruger region, is seeking an experienced, passionate and highly creative Sous Chef to join their award-winning culinary team.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented hospitality professional to become part of a boutique luxury lodge renowned for delivering outstanding guest experiences, refined cuisine and warm African hospitality in one of South Africa's premier safari destinations.

Working alongside an accomplished Executive Chef, the successful candidate will help create innovative, beautifully presented cuisine while maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency and service expected within a luxury international hospitality environment.

About the Opportunity

Working alongside an experienced Executive Chef, you will play a key leadership role in delivering exceptional culinary experiences that form an integral part of every guest's safari journey. From elegant breakfasts overlooking the African bush to sophisticated multi-course dinners and traditional boma evenings beneath the stars, every meal is crafted to exceed expectations.

This role is ideally suited to a creative, hands-on chef who enjoys working in an intimate luxury lodge environment where attention to detail, innovation, consistency, and personalised guest service are paramount.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Executive Chef in the day-to-day management of the kitchen.
• Produce exceptional five-star cuisine to the highest standards.
• Lead kitchen operations in the Executive Chef's absence.
• Ensure consistency in food quality, presentation and service.
• Assist with menu planning, recipe development and seasonal menu changes.
• Cater for a wide variety of international guests and dietary requirements.
• Supervise, mentor and develop junior kitchen staff.
• Maintain strict food hygiene and HACCP standards.
• Assist with stock control, purchasing and food cost management.
• Minimise waste and maximise kitchen efficiency.
• Deliver memorable dining experiences, including bush breakfasts, boma dinners and private dining occasions.

Candidate Requirements

We're looking for an energetic and passionate culinary professional who possesses:

Essential

• Professional Culinary Qualification or Diploma.
• Minimum 3-5 years' experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie.
• Previous experience within:
  • Luxury Safari Lodges
  • Five-Star Hotels
  • Boutique Hotels or Lodges
  • Fine Dining Restaurants
• Excellent knowledge of international cuisine.
• Strong leadership and organisational skills.
• High standards of food presentation.
• Excellent understanding of food hygiene and HACCP.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for hospitality and guest satisfaction.

Highly Advantageous

• Previous luxury safari lodge experience.
• Experience working in remote hospitality environments.
• Experience preparing bush dining experiences.
• Bakery and pastry skills.
• Wine pairing knowledge.
• Experience catering for international clientele.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate will be:

• Passionate about food and hospitality.
• Creative and innovative.
• Guest-focused.
• Calm under pressure.
• Highly organised.
• Detail-oriented.
• A natural team leader.
• Positive and energetic.
• Flexible and adaptable.
• Professional in appearance and conduct.
• Committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

What's on Offer

Our client offers an excellent opportunity to work within one of South Africa's premier luxury safari destinations together with:

• Competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
• Live-in accommodation
• Meals whilst on duty
• Uniform provided
• Laundry service
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Opportunity to work within a highly professional luxury hospitality environment
• Career growth within a respected hospitality group

Why Apply?

This is more than just a Sous Chef position—it's an opportunity to become part of a passionate hospitality team dedicated to creating unforgettable safari experiences through exceptional cuisine, personalised service, and genuine African hospitality.

If you're ready to take the next step in your culinary career and combine your passion for fine dining with the adventure of luxury safari hospitality, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note: Only candidates whose qualifications and experience closely match the requirements of the position will be contacted for further consideration.