Sous Chef - Catering

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Professional training

Kitchen culture

Pension & medical aid

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking a talented Sous Chef to join our dynamic catering team. You will support the Head Chef in menu development, food prep, and ensure culinary excellence for events, using fresh ingredients to create memorable dining experiences.

The role demands strong leadership, the ability to thrive in a fast-paced kitchen, and a passion for food presentation and innovation. This is a hands-on opportunity in a renowned Cape Town catering company.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or similar role in catering/hospitality.
• Solid understanding of culinary techniques, food safety and kitchen management.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen environment.
• Passion for food innovation and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Chef in planning, preparing, and executing menus for diverse catering events.
• Supervise and mentor kitchen staff to ensure efficient workflow and recipe adherence.
• Manage inventory, ordering, and stock levels to minimize waste and costs.
• Ensure food prep and cooking meet quality, presentation, and hygiene standards.
• Collaborate with event planning team to understand client requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe kitchen in line with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Work under pressure

Food innovation

Education

Culinary qualifications / apprenticeships

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented and motivated Sous Chef to join their dynamic catering team in Cape Town . You will play a crucial role in the kitchen, supporting the Head Chef in menu development, food preparation, and ensuring the highest standards of culinary excellence for a variety of events. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with fresh, high-quality ingredients and contribute to memorable dining experiences for clients. The successful candidate will be passionate about food, possess strong leadership skills, and thrive in a fast-paced, creative culinary environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in planning, preparing, and executing menus for diverse catering events.
• Supervise and mentor kitchen staff, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to recipes and standards.
• Manage inventory, ordering of supplies, and maintaining stock levels to minimize waste and control costs.
• Ensure all food preparation and cooking processes meet strict quality, presentation, and hygiene standards.
• Collaborate with the event planning team to understand client requirements and special requests.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment, adhering to all health and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or similar role within the catering or hospitality industry.
• Solid understanding of culinary techniques, food safety, and kitchen management.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities, with excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing demands in a busy kitchen environment.
• Passion for food innovation and presentation.
• Relevant culinary qualifications or apprenticeships are preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance bonuses.
• Opportunity to work with a renowned catering company in Cape Town .
• Access to professional development and culinary training programs.
• A supportive and collaborative kitchen culture.
• Pension fund and medical aid contributions.