Sous Chef - Fine Dining Events Specialist

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 540,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uniform provided

Meal provisions during shifts

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Sous Chef to join a prestigious catering team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will support the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations, ensuring flawless fine dining quality for high-profile events and inspiring a strong kitchen brigade.

The ideal candidate has at least 4 years as a Sous Chef in fine dining or high-end catering, with formal culinary training and a passion for innovation and impeccable hygiene.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a Sous Chef or equivalent in fine dining or high-end catering.
• Formal culinary qualification from a reputable institution.
• Proficiency in a wide range of cooking techniques and strong understanding of flavour profiles.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a kitchen team.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP principles, and sanitation standards.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays for events.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef in all aspects of kitchen management, including planning, preparation, and execution of menus.
• Supervise and guide junior kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to recipes, standards, and efficient workflow.
• Prepare and cook high-quality dishes to exacting standards, ensuring consistency in taste, presentation, and temperature.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation, and ordering for specific sections of the kitchen, minimizing waste.
• Maintain impeccable standards of hygiene, sanitation, and food safety, adhering to all health regulations.
• Contribute to menu development, proposing new dishes and ideas that align with culinary trends and client expectations.
• Oversee the setup and breakdown of food stations during events.
• Conduct training sessions for kitchen staff to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is properly maintained and cleaned.
• Step in to manage the kitchen in the absence of the Executive Chef.

Skills

Leadership & mentoring

Food safety & HACCP

Culinary techniques

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Formal culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious catering company renowned for its exquisite culinary creations, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Sous Chef to join their team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This role is essential in supporting the Executive Chef in managing the day-to-day operations of the kitchen, ensuring the consistent delivery of exceptional fine dining quality for a variety of high-profile events. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in classical and contemporary culinary techniques, a passion for innovation, and the ability to lead and inspire a kitchen brigade. You will play a key role in menu development, food preparation, quality control, and upholding the highest standards of hygiene and safety. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your career within a highly respected organization in the heart of the Western Cape winelands.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef in all aspects of kitchen management, including planning, preparation, and execution of menus.
• Supervise and guide junior kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to recipes, standards, and efficient workflow.
• Prepare and cook high-quality dishes to exacting standards, ensuring consistency in taste, presentation, and temperature.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation, and ordering for specific sections of the kitchen, minimizing waste.
• Maintain impeccable standards of hygiene, sanitation, and food safety, adhering to all health regulations.
• Contribute to menu development, proposing new dishes and ideas that align with culinary trends and client expectations.
• Oversee the setup and breakdown of food stations during events.
• Conduct training sessions for kitchen staff to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is properly maintained and cleaned.
• Step in to manage the kitchen in the absence of the Executive Chef.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a Sous Chef or equivalent role in a fine dining or high-end catering environment.
• Formal culinary qualification from a reputable institution.
• Proficiency in a wide range of cooking techniques and a strong understanding of flavour profiles.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a kitchen team.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP principles, and sanitation standards.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
• Creative flair and a passion for delivering exceptional culinary experiences.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as required by event schedules in Stellenbosch .
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• A keen eye for detail in food preparation and presentation.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to work with a leading fine dining catering company.
• Gain exposure to prestigious events and culinary innovation in the Western Cape .
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Supportive and dynamic kitchen environment.
• Uniform and meal provisions during shifts.