Sous Chef - Corporate Catering

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career progression

Team-oriented kitchen

Corporate event exposure

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Sous Chef for a corporate catering operation in Bloemfontein. The role supports the Head Chef with daily kitchen management, hands-on cooking, and ensuring high-quality cuisine for key corporate clients.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in a similar role, strong culinary techniques, and leadership potential. HACCP awareness is beneficial; weekend/evening shifts may be required to cover events.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years as Chef de Partie or Sous Chef in catering or high-volume settings.
• Solid culinary techniques and food preparation methods.
• Experience leading a kitchen team and coordinating tasks.
• HACCP knowledge is beneficial for hygiene.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Chef in daily kitchen operations including prep, cooking and plating.
• Supervise junior chefs and kitchen staff, ensuring efficiency and standards.
• Prepare diverse dishes per recipes and quality controls.
• Manage inventory, rotation, and sourcing of supplies.
• Maintain hygiene, food safety and sanitation standards.
• Contribute to menu planning and recipe development.
• Ensure consistent food quality and presentation across events.
• Assist with cost control and waste minimization.
• Keep kitchen organized and clean; support training of team.

Skills

Culinary skills

Leadership

Food safety

Menu development

Team supervision

Cost control

Education

Culinary qualification (preferred)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable corporate catering provider in Bloemfontein , is seeking a motivated and skilled Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in managing kitchen operations and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality cuisine. This role is integral to the smooth functioning of the kitchen, involving hands-on food preparation, team supervision, inventory management, and maintaining impeccable standards of hygiene and organization. You will play a key role in executing daily catering orders, assisting with menu development, and mentoring junior kitchen staff. The ideal candidate will possess strong culinary techniques, excellent leadership potential, and a passion for producing delicious and appealing food for corporate clients. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious chef to advance their career within the dynamic catering sector of Bloemfontein .

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating.
• Supervise and guide junior chefs and kitchen staff, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and to standard.
• Prepare and cook a variety of dishes according to established recipes and quality standards.
• Manage inventory levels, assist with stock rotation, and participate in ordering supplies.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations.
• Contribute to menu planning and recipe development.
• Ensure consistency in food quality and presentation across all catering events.
• Assist in controlling food costs and minimizing waste.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, equipment, and storage areas.
• Support the Head Chef in training and developing kitchen team members.

Requirements

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a Chef de Partie or Sous Chef, preferably in a catering or high-volume food service environment.
• Solid understanding of culinary techniques and food preparation methods.
• Experience in supervising and leading a kitchen team.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards (HACCP awareness is beneficial).
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including some weekends and evenings, as required for corporate events in Bloemfontein .
• Passion for food quality and presentation.
• Culinary qualification is preferred but not essential with relevant experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary reflective of experience and skills.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression within the company.
• Work in a supportive and team-oriented kitchen environment.
• Be part of a company known for its quality corporate catering services in Bloemfontein .
• Gain exposure to a variety of corporate clients and event types.