Sous Chef (contract) | Masiya's Camp

The Royal Portfolio; Hoedspruit; On-site; ZAR 200,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading safari lodge is seeking a Sous Chef responsible for overseeing kitchen operations and ensuring guest satisfaction. The ideal candidate has at least 8 years of experience, including 2 years in management. Responsibilities include menu planning, handling guest feedback, and motivating kitchen staff. A culinary diploma and strong administration skills are required. South African citizenship is advantageous.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years’ experience with 2 years in a management position.
• Fair and firm management abilities with high influencing skills.
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage.
• Hands-on approach to all operational aspects.
• Initiative and self-motivated.

Responsibilities

• Interact with guests to obtain feedback on product quality.
• Handle guest problems and complaints.
• Ensure food items are prepared as per standard recipes.
• Maintain food stock levels based on hotel occupancy.
• Motivate the culinary department and provide feedback.

Skills

Culinary management

Creativity in menu planning

Strong administration skills

Excellent communication

Knowledge of food and beverage

Education

Culinary diploma

Job description

Overview

The Sous Chef at our newest safari lodge, Masiya's Camp, will be responsible for assisting the Head Chef in the overall kitchen operation as a successful independent profit center. The Sous Chef's main focus is ensuring maximum guest satisfaction, through planning, organizing, directing, and controlling the Kitchen operation and administration. They will also ensure that the Kitchen standards of The Royal Portfolio are met in order to contribute to the purpose of the company which is "To give our guests a complete experience and a perfect stay". This is a contract position, to start as soon as possible, until end 2025.

Responsibilities

• Interacts with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels.
• Responds to and handles guest problems and complaints.
• Creative menu planning and correct food preparation.
• Be aware of new and local produce introduced onto the market and keep up with the latest product trends.
• Ensure that all recipes and product yields are accurately costed and reviewed regularly.
• Ensure that all food items are prepared as per standard recipe cards whilst maintaining portion control and minimizing waste.
• Ensure that food stock levels within the culinary department areas are of sufficient quantity and quality in relevance to the hotel occupancy and function forecasts.
• To be aware of all financial budgets and goals.
• Ensure that all food preparation equipment is being used safely and correctly and that it is cleaned and maintained.
• Ensure that all culinary operations manuals are prepared and updated.
• Ensure that the culinary department adheres to all company and hotel policies & procedures.
• Ensure that the overall culinary department is motivated and that positive feedback on work performance is given.
• Oversee weekly work schedules and annual leave planners.
• Ensure that chefs are always neat, tidy and presentable to be in guest view.
• To work in close conjunction with the Front of House Manager and respective teams
• To initiate relevant maintenance reports and work orders.
• To delegate responsibilities to subordinates as required.

Qualifications

• Culinary diploma (or higher) from a recognized tertiary institution.
• At least 8 years’ experience with 2 years in a management position.
• Fair and firm management abilities with high influencing skills.
• Strong administration skills.
• Creative and innovative.
• Strong knowledge of food and beverage.
• Hands-on approach to all operational aspects.
• Excellent communication skills and computer skills.
• Initiative and Self-motivated.
• Ideal training and coaching skills.

It is important that the candidate is able to work as part of a team and is a good cultural fit for The Royal Portfolio. South African citizenship is advantageous. A valid work permit is essential if you are not in possession of a South African ID document. It is a requirement of the Thornybush Nature Reserve that all staff undergo a pre-employment polygraph test.