Sous Chef - Game Lodge Restaurant

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided by the lodge

Meals on duty

Professional development

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a talented Sous Chef for a luxurious game lodge near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The role supports the Head Chef in menu planning, food preparation, staff supervision, and maintaining high standards of quality and hygiene to deliver gourmet lodge dining.

The candidate should have at least 3 years of Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie experience, strong cooking techniques, HACCP knowledge, and the ability to work under pressure in a fine dining lodge.

Qualifications

• Experience in fine dining or high-end lodge/restaurant settings.
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques and presentation.
• Experience in managing kitchen staff and ensuring smooth operations.
• Proficiency in food safety and hygiene practices (HACCP).
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage time efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in menu planning, development, and costing.
• Oversee kitchen operations in the Head Chef's absence.
• Prepare and cook high-quality dishes according to established recipes and standards.
• Supervise and train junior kitchen staff, ensuring proper techniques and adherence to standards.
• Maintain strict standards of food hygiene, safety, and sanitation in the kitchen.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation, and portion control to minimize waste and control costs.
• Ensure all food is prepared and presented to the highest quality.
• Contribute to a positive and efficient working environment within the kitchen team.
• Participate in receiving and inspecting deliveries of food supplies.
• Keep the kitchen clean and organized at all times.

Skills

Cooking techniques

Food presentation

Staff supervision

Food safety (HACCP)

Communication

Teamwork

Time management

Fine dining

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a luxurious game lodge renowned for its exceptional dining experiences amidst the stunning natural beauty near Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, is seeking a talented and dedicated Sous Chef. This role is integral to the culinary team, supporting the Head Chef in all kitchen operations, from menu planning and food preparation to staff supervision and maintaining the highest standards of quality and hygiene. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, a passion for seasonal ingredients, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic kitchen environment. You will be instrumental in ensuring the consistent delivery of gourmet meals for lodge guests, contributing to a memorable safari experience. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled chef to develop their career in a unique and inspiring setting within Mpumalanga. We are looking for someone creative, reliable, and eager to contribute to an award-winning culinary team.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in menu planning, development, and costing.
• Oversee kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Prepare and cook high-quality dishes according to established recipes and standards.
• Supervise and train junior kitchen staff, ensuring proper techniques and adherence to standards.
• Maintain strict standards of food hygiene, safety, and sanitation in the kitchen.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation, and portion control to minimize waste and control costs.
• Ensure all food is prepared and presented to the highest quality.
• Contribute to a positive and efficient working environment within the kitchen team.
• Participate in receiving and inspecting deliveries of food supplies.
• Keep the kitchen clean and organized at all times.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3 years of experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie, preferably in a fine dining or high-end lodge/restaurant setting.
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, culinary trends, and food presentation.
• Experience in managing kitchen staff and ensuring smooth operations.
• Proficiency in food safety and hygiene practices (e.g., HACCP).
• Culinary qualification from a recognized institution is highly preferred.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage time efficiently.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Must be physically fit and able to stand for extended periods.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and preferably reside in or be willing to relocate to the Nelspruit, Mpumalanga area.
• A passion for food and creating exceptional dining experiences.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Accommodation provided by the lodge.
• Meals are provided while on duty.
• Opportunities for professional development and learning from experienced chefs.
• Unique work environment in a prestigious game lodge.
• Contribution to a dynamic and passionate culinary team.
• Annual leave and other statutory benefits.