Sous Chef - A-La-Carte

BGA Recruitment; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruiting agency is seeking a skilled Kitchen Manager in Johannesburg to oversee kitchen operations, ensuring high-quality food delivery and team performance. Applicants should have significant experience in management and culinary roles, complemented by strong communication and leadership skills. A culinary diploma is preferred, alongside extensive knowledge of food hygiene standards and cost management.

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of management experience.
• 7 years experience as a Chef, especially in à la carte.

Responsibilities

• Deliver training and development for kitchen staff.
• Supervise kitchen staff and provide feedback.
• Motivate and build a high-performing kitchen team.
• Oversee kitchen operations in the absence of senior chefs.
• Collaborate on menu development.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene policies.
• Monitor and control departmental expenses.
• Improve service and operational standards.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Self-motivated

Proven management and leadership expertise

Coaching and mentoring

Knowledge of health & safety legislation

Planning and delivering high-quality offerings

Proficiency in MS Office Suite

Education

Matric

Diploma/Certificate in Culinary Arts

Job description

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Manages all aspects of kitchen operations, including controlling food costs in line with standards, managing labour costs for kitchen staff, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality food products, maintaining customer satisfaction standards, and overseeing the planning and control of all food operations.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver training and development for kitchen staff, covering procedures, food preparation, and service standards.
• Design, implement, and record induction and basic training programmes for all new employees.
• Supervise kitchen staff, providing regular feedback on performance and addressing development needs.
• Motivate, coach, and build a cohesive, high-performing kitchen team.
• Oversee kitchen operations in the absence of the Senior Sous Chef/Head Chef, ensuring consistency and professionalism.
• Collaborate with the Senior Sous Chef/Head Chef to develop and implement new menus.
• Enforce statutory regulations and food hygiene policies, ensuring all employees receive the necessary training.
• Apply strong knowledge of food controls, including ordering, stock management, and menu pricing.
• Monitor and control departmental expenses—food costs and wages—aligned to business volumes.
• Maintain and continuously improve service and operational standards to maximise guest satisfaction.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & SKILLS

• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
• Self-motivated and capable of inspiring and motivating others to achieve shared goals.
• Proven management and leadership expertise with a track record of delivering results.
• Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and team building to drive performance and collaboration.
• Sound knowledge of health & safety legislation and hygiene standards, with consistent compliance.
• Experienced in planning, coordinating, and delivering high-quality à la carte and buffet offerings.
• Proficient in computer skills, including MS Office Suite.

MINIMUM / PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

• 2-5 years’ experience Management experience.
• 7 years’ experience working as a Chef, especially in a-la-carte.

QUALIFICATION

• Minimum Matric.
• Diploma/Certificate in Culinary Arts (preferred).