Sous Chef - Fine Dining Restaurant, Stellenbosch

Extraordinary Solutions; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 279,000 - 390,600; Full time

Job summary

A luxury dining establishment in Stellenbosch is seeking a highly skilled Sous Chef to join their refined kitchen team. This role demands a strong leader to oversee daily operations, ensure consistency, and contribute to a culture of excellence. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in fine dining, and a passion for food and high standards is essential. The position offers an opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment where your culinary skills and leadership will truly matter.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a fine dining or luxury kitchen environment.
• A strong technical foundation with pride in execution.
• Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in kitchen operations.
• Manage the pass with clear communication.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food quality.

Skills

Technical ability

Leadership

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

SOUS CHEF – LUXURY FINE DINING ENVIRONMENT, STELLENBOSCH

We are looking for a highly capable, grounded, and driven Sous Chef to join a refined, detail-led kitchen in one of the Cape Winelands’ most exceptional dining environments.

This is a space where cooking is treated as a craft — where discipline, precision, and respect for ingredients are non-negotiable. Every plate leaving the pass is considered, intentional, and executed to the highest standard.

Experience in Asian cuisine will be advantageous. What matters most is your technical ability, your mindset, and your willingness to learn, adapt, and grow within a specialised and highly curated style of cooking.

The Role

As Sous Chef, you will work closely alongside the Head Chef as a key leader within the kitchen. You will be responsible for ensuring the smooth day‑to‑day operation of the kitchen, maintaining consistency across every service, and supporting the ongoing development of the team.

You will lead from the front — setting the tone, holding the standard, and ensuring that every detail is executed with care and precision.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in overseeing all kitchen operations, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and excellence
• Take control of service — managing the pass with calm authority, clear communication, and strong attention to detail
• Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, plating, and presentation at all times
• Lead, train, and mentor junior chefs, fostering a culture of accountability, respect, and continuous improvement
• Ensure all hygiene, health, and safety standards are upheld rigorously
• Contribute to menu development, refinement, and seasonal evolution\
• Manage stock control, ordering, and wastage with discipline and accuracy
• Drive consistency in execution, ensuring every dish meets the expected standard, every time
• Work closely with front of house to ensure a seamless and elevated guest experience

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a fine dining or luxury kitchen environment
• A strong technical foundation with attention to detail and pride in execution
• A natural leader who leads by example and earns respect through action
• The ability to remain calm, composed, and focused under pressure
• Strong organisational skills and a disciplined approach to kitchen operations
• A genuine passion for food, ingredients, and the craft of cooking
• A growth mindset — open to learning, feedback, and continuous development
• A team player who contributes positively to kitchen culture

What Sets You Apart

• You take ownership and accountability without hesitation
• You are consistent — not just when it’s easy, but when it’s demanding
• You notice the small details others miss and act on them
• You bring structure, calm, and clarity into a fast-paced environment
• You care deeply about delivering an experience, not just producing food

This is an opportunity to be part of a kitchen where excellence is the standard, where learning is constant, and where your contribution truly matters.

If you are serious about your craft and ready to operate at a high level, we would love to hear from you.