Sous Chef - Fine Dining & Banqueting

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a talented Sous Chef for a prestigious catering and events operation in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This role supports the Executive Chef, oversees kitchen operations, and ensures exceptional culinary creations for corporate events, private functions, and large banquets.

You will lead a kitchen team, plan menus, costing, and inventory, uphold HACCP standards, and drive quality and consistency under pressure.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as Chef de Partie or Sous Chef.
• Strong foundation in classical and contemporary cooking techniques.
• Experience with menu costing, inventory management, and stock control.
• Proven leadership abilities and kitchen team management.
• Excellent food safety and HACCP knowledge.
• Based in or willing to relocate to Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

Responsibilities

• Assist Executive Chef with menu planning, costing, and development.
• Supervise daily kitchen operations and maintain high standards.
• Oversee food prep, cooking, and presentation for consistency.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation, and ordering.
• Ensure health, safety, and sanitation compliance.
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff.
• Deputize for Executive Chef when absent.
• Control food costs and minimize waste.
• Collaborate with front-of-house during events.

Skills

Leadership

Menu costing

Inventory mgmt

HACCP

Communication

Multitasking

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly esteemed catering and events company located in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal , is seeking a talented and ambitious Sous Chef . This integral role supports the Executive Chef in overseeing all aspects of the kitchen operations, ensuring the consistent delivery of exceptional culinary creations for a diverse clientele. The ideal candidate will possess strong culinary skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to lead and motivate a kitchen team. Our client specializes in providing exquisite dining experiences for corporate events, private functions, and large-scale banquets, all while maintaining the highest standards of quality and service. This is a fantastic opportunity for a culinary professional to advance their career in a dynamic environment within Pietermaritzburg .

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef in menu planning, development, and costing.
• Supervise and guide the daily operations of the kitchen, ensuring efficiency and high standards.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking, and presentation, ensuring consistency and quality.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation, and ordering of kitchen supplies and ingredients.
• Ensure strict adherence to all health, safety, and sanitation regulations in the kitchen.
• Train and mentor junior kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Deputize for the Executive Chef in their absence.
• Control food costs and minimize waste.
• Collaborate with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service delivery during events.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Chef de Partie or Sous Chef in a reputable restaurant, hotel, or catering environment.
• A strong foundation in classical and contemporary cooking techniques.
• Experience with menu costing, inventory management, and stock control.
• Proven leadership abilities and experience in managing kitchen teams.
• Excellent understanding of food safety and hygiene standards (e.g., HACCP).
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with the ability to perform under pressure.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for culinary excellence and a commitment to continuous learning.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, reflecting the experience and expertise required for this role. Excellent opportunities for professional growth and skill development within a leading catering organization are available. You will be part of a supportive team dedicated to culinary innovation and client satisfaction in the vibrant setting of Pietermaritzburg .

• Additional benefits may include performance incentives and contributions towards further culinary training.

This is a chance to make a significant impact in the KwaZulu-Natal culinary scene.