Sous Chef

Crew Life at Sea Ltd.; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 819,000 - 1,183,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Meals onboard

Medical coverage

Job summary

Crew Life At Sea Ltd. is recruiting experienced Sous Chefs for international placements onboard a luxury cruise line. You will assist the Executive Chef and oversee galley operations to ensure premium quality and presentation.

Ideal candidates bring 2-3 years' Sous Chef experience in 4- or 5-star hotels or cruise ships, strong leadership, and English at or above B2 level. Accommodation, meals, and medical coverage are provided aboard.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years of Sous Chef experience in a 4- or 5-star hotel, resort, or cruise ship.
• Strong knowledge of international cuisine and fine dining standards.
• Ability to manage high-volume kitchens with multiple outlets.
• Experience with food safety regulations (USPH/HACCP).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• English proficiency at B2 level or higher.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Sous Chef in managing all galley operations.
• Supervise and mentor Chef de Partie, Demi Chefs, and Commis in assigned sections.
• Ensure premium food quality, presentation, and portion control.
• Oversee production schedules to ensure timely and efficient meal service.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, hygiene, and USPH standards.
• Assist in menu planning, recipe development, and inventory control.
• Monitor food costs, reduce waste, and maintain budget compliance.
• Provide training and leadership to maintain a motivated and high-performing team.
• Step into the Executive Sous Chef role when required.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

English proficiency

Tools

USPH/HACCP

Job description

Position: Sous Chef
Location: International placement onboard a cruise line

About the Opportunity

Crew Life At Sea is recruiting experienced Sous Chefs on behalf of one of our luxury cruise line partners. This role is essential to maintaining world-class culinary operations across multiple dining venues onboard. You will assist the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef in managing daily kitchen activities, ensuring premium quality, consistency, and presentation of dishes.

This is an ideal position for culinary professionals with strong leadership skills and experience in 4- or 5-star hotels, fine dining establishments, or luxury cruise ships.

All placements are made directly with the cruise line Crew Life At Sea does not charge any recruitment or placement fees.

Role Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Sous Chef in managing all galley operations

• Supervise and mentor Chef de Partie, Demi Chefs, and Commis in assigned sections

• Ensure premium food quality, presentation, and portion control

• Oversee production schedules to ensure timely and efficient meal service

• Maintain compliance with food safety, hygiene, and USPH standards

• Assist in menu planning, recipe development, and inventory control

• Monitor food costs, reduce waste, and maintain budget compliance

• Provide training and leadership to maintain a motivated and high-performing team

• Step into the Executive Sous Chef role when required

What You Can Expect

• Competitive monthly salary paid in USD

• Accommodation and meals provided onboard

• Full medical coverage during your contract

• Career development opportunities in luxury hospitality at sea

• Work in a multicultural, high-performance team environment

• Full support with onboarding, certification, and travel arrangements

Who Were Looking For

• Minimum 2-3 years of experience as a Sous Chef in a 4- or 5-star hotel, resort, or on a cruise ship

• Strong knowledge of international cuisine and fine dining standards

• Ability to manage high-volume kitchens with multiple outlets

• Experience with food safety regulations (USPH/HACCP)

• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills

• English proficiency at B2 level or higher