Sous Chef - Gastropub & Events

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 279,000 - 446,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Career development

Dynamic team

Guest experience focus

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join a popular Nelspruit gastropub with a thriving events catering arm. You will work closely with the Head Chef to maintain high food quality and lead the kitchen for both daily service and events.

The ideal candidate has 3–4 years of sous chef experience, strong leadership, and a passion for modern cuisine. This role offers growth within a dynamic hospitality business in Nelspruit.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–4 years experience as Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a reputable restaurant or catering environment.
• Strong culinary techniques across cuisines and plating.
• Proven leadership to mentor a kitchen team and ensure consistency.
• Experience in menu development and costing is advantageous.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Organized and time‑efficient, able to work under pressure.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexible to work evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Assist Head Chef in kitchen management, food prep, cooking, and presentation for gastropub and events.
• Supervise and mentor junior kitchen staff and enforce recipes, techniques, and standards.
• Contribute to menu development and seasonal offerings.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation, and ingredients to control costs.
• Ensure health, safety and hygiene regulations are followed.
• Oversee kitchen operations during shifts and ensure service quality.
• Collaborate with Head Chef on catering menus and events.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of kitchen, equipment, and storage.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Time management

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a popular gastropub with a thriving event catering arm in **Nelspruit**, is seeking an experienced and ambitious Sous Chef to join their culinary team. Working closely with the Head Chef, you will be instrumental in maintaining the high standards of food quality and creativity that define the establishment. This role involves a mix of daily kitchen operations, menu development, staff supervision, and contributing to the execution of high-quality event catering. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in modern cuisine, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for delivering exceptional food experiences. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your career within a dynamic and well-regarded hospitality business in **Nelspruit**.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in all aspects of kitchen management, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation for both the gastropub and events in **Nelspruit**.
• Supervise and mentor junior kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to recipes, techniques, and standards.
• Contribute to menu development, creating innovative dishes that align with the gastropub's concept and seasonal offerings.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation, and ordering of ingredients to control food costs.
• Ensure strict compliance with all health, safety, and hygiene regulations within the kitchen.
• Oversee the smooth operation of the kitchen during shifts, including service execution and quality control.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef on planning and executing catering menus and events.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, equipment, and storage areas.
• Deputize for the Head Chef in their absence.
• Uphold the restaurant's reputation for culinary excellence and exceptional guest experiences.

Requirements

• A minimum of 3-4 years of experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a reputable restaurant or catering environment, preferably in **Nelspruit**.
• Solid understanding of culinary techniques, food preparation, and presentation across various cuisines.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a kitchen team effectively.
• Experience in menu development and costing is advantageous.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to work efficiently under pressure.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for high-quality food and a commitment to culinary excellence.
• Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings and weekends, as required.
• A culinary qualification is desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with your experience and skills.
• Opportunity to work in a popular and reputable establishment in **Nelspruit**.
• Be part of a creative culinary team and contribute to menu innovation.
• Professional development and growth opportunities within the company.
• Enjoy a dynamic work environment with a focus on quality and guest satisfaction.
• This role provides an excellent platform for career advancement in the culinary field.