Sous Chef

Bright Search Recruitment (Pty) Ltd; Polokwane; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 720,000; Full time

Job summary

Bright Search Recruitment (Pty) Ltd is sourcing a senior kitchen professional for a luxury property in Limpopo. The candidate will lead multiple kitchen sections, supervise staff, and drive high standards of food quality and presentation for demanding guest services.

The role requires extensive culinary expertise, strong leadership, cost-conscious decision-making, and the ability to manage high-volume services while maintaining HACCP-compliant practices.

Qualifications

• Recognised qualification in Culinary Arts, Professional Cookery or Commercial Cookery.
• Minimum of 35 years' experience in a professional kitchen with at least 2 years in a Sous Chef or senior position.
• Experience in luxury hotel, lodge, resort or fine-dining establishment.

Skills

Culinary expertise

Leadership

Delegation

Time management

Detail & presentation

Cost control

Work under pressure

Communication

Problem solving

Flexibility

Education

Culinary qualification (Culinary Arts/Professional Cookery/Commercial Cookery)

Job description

Qualifications and experience

A recognised qualification in Culinary Arts, Professional Cookery or Commercial Cookery. Minimum of 35 years' experience in a professional kitchen, with at least 2 years in a Sous Chef or similar senior position. Previous experience in a four- or five-star hotel, luxury lodge, resort or fine-dining establishment. Strong knowledge of modern culinary techniques, international cuisine and food presentation. Proven experience supervising and training kitchen staff. Good understanding of food costing, portion control, stocktaking and inventory management. Knowledge of HACCP principles, food safety and kitchen hygiene. Experience in banqueting, conferences and high-volume food production. Computer literacy and the ability to maintain kitchen administration records. Good command of written and spoken English. A valid driver's licence and reliable transport would be advantageous, depending on the hotel's location. These criteria align with current South African senior chef recruitment requirements, including recent positions advertised in Limpopo.

Key skills and competencies

• Strong culinary expertise and creativity.
• Excellent leadership and team-management skills.
• Ability to delegate duties and manage multiple kitchen sections.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and presentation.
• Commercial awareness and cost-conscious decision‑making.
• Ability to work under pressure during busy services.
• Professional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Problem-solving ability and initiative.
• Flexibility to work shifts, weekends and public holidays.

Key performance indicators (KPIs)

• Food quality, consistency and presentation.
• Guest feedback and satisfaction.
• Food costs and wastage levels against targets.
• Accuracy of stocktakes and stock documentation.
• Kitchen hygiene and food-safety audit results.
• Staff productivity, training and development.
• Timely preparation and delivery of meals.
• Compliance with recipes, portion sizes and plating standards.
• Effective execution of functions and special events.
• Kitchen organisation and adherence to operational SOPs.