Sous Chef

Wild Dreams Hospitality; Oos-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 134,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in position

Meals not included

21 days annual leave

Provident fund

Six days on, two days off

On-site staff housing

Job summary

Wild Dreams Hospitality in a remote bush lodge seeks a hands-on Sous Chef to run the pass, maintain plating quality, and work closely with the Head Chef in a small, discerning guest setting.

You will lead junior staff, plan menus, manage stock, and ensure top hygiene standards while thriving under pressure in a close-knit team. This live-in role offers a 6 on/2 off schedule and provident fund.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Sous Chef or senior Chef de Partie in upmarket lodge/hotel
• Culinary qualification advantageous
• Strong grounding in classic cooking techniques

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations
• Prepare meals to lodge standard with consistency
• Supervise, train and motivate kitchen team
• Assist with menu planning and new dishes
• Manage stock rotation, ordering and requisitions
• Maintain cleanliness and food safety
• Report equipment issues and keep kitchen running
• Step in across sections as needed

Skills

Sous Chef experience

Senior Chef de Partie

Leadership under pressure

Hygiene and food safety

Job description

This role suits a hands-on chef who can run the pass with confidence, keep plating and quality consistent for a small number of discerning guests, and work closely with the head chef in a remote bush setting.

Core Criteria:

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or senior Chef de Partie in an upmarket lodge, hotel or fine-dining kitchen [CONFIRM: minimum years’ experience?]
• Culinary qualification advantageous [CONFIRM: required or advantageous?]
• Strong grounding in classic cooking techniques, with a flair for refined, well-presented dishes
• Sound knowledge of hygiene, food safety and stock control
• Able to lead and guide junior kitchen staff while staying calm under pressure
• Reliable, organised and comfortable working within a small, close-knit team
• Own transport and a valid driver’s licence preferred, but not essential

Core Responsibilities:

• Support the Head Chef in the daily running of the kitchen
• Prepare and present meals to the lodge’s standard, with consistency at every service
• Supervise, train and motivate kitchen team members
• Assist with menu planning and the introduction of new dishes
• Manage stock rotation, ordering and requisitions
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food safety
• Report equipment issues and keep the kitchen running smoothly
• Step in across sections where needed

On Offer:

• Salary: R12,000 to R15,000 per month
• Live-in position
• Meals are not included
• Six days on, two days off
• Staff are welcome to remain on the property on their days off
• 21 days’ annual leave
• Provident fund