Sous Chef - Banqueting

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime pay

Medical aid

Provident fund

Staff meals

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a skilled Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in managing banqueting and events kitchen operations during high-volume catering for large gatherings. You will contribute to preparing and executing diverse menus with consistency and speed.

The role requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and the ability to motivate a brigade under pressure, ensuring exceptional dining experiences for guests at events across Durban.

Qualifications

• Experience in high-volume catering or hotel kitchen.
• Ability to manage and motivate a kitchen team.
• Proficiency in banquet planning and service execution.
• Strong knowledge of health and hygiene standards.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Chef with menu planning, costing for banqueting events.
• Supervise kitchen staff during food preparation and service.
• Ensure high standards of presentation and quality.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene and sanitation protocols.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation and ingredients ordering.
• Train and develop junior kitchen staff.

Skills

Large-scale cooking

Team leadership

Banquet service

Food safety

Kitchen management

Organizational skills

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled and motivated Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in managing the banqueting and events kitchen operations in bustling Durban . You will play a critical role in the preparation and execution of large-scale catering events, ensuring consistency, quality, and timely service. This position demands a strong understanding of high-volume cooking, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to lead and inspire a kitchen brigade under pressure, contributing to the delivery of exceptional dining experiences for numerous guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in menu planning, development, and costing for banqueting events.
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of kitchen staff during food preparation and service for large events.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented to the highest standards of quality and consistency.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols within the kitchen.
• Manage inventory levels, monitor stock rotation, and assist with ordering of ingredients.
• Contribute to training and development of junior kitchen staff, ensuring skill progression.

Requirements

• Minimum 4 years of experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-volume catering or hotel environment.
• Proficiency in large-scale food production and banquet service execution.
• Strong knowledge of culinary techniques, food preparation, and presentation.
• Excellent understanding of health, safety, and hygiene standards in a commercial kitchen.
• Ability to effectively manage and motivate a kitchen team.
• Good organizational skills and the capacity to handle multiple tasks efficiently.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with opportunities for overtime pay.
• Comprehensive medical aid and provident fund contributions.
• Exposure to a wide variety of events and culinary challenges in Durban .
• Opportunities for advancement within a reputable catering company.
• Staff meals provided during shifts.