Sous Chef - High-Volume Catering

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Large-scale events experience

Professional development and training

Dynamic work environment

Supportive team culture

Subsidized meals during shifts

Job summary

Placements24 in Benoni, Gauteng is seeking a skilled Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations within a high-volume catering environment. You will lead the kitchen during service, ensure quality and consistency, and contribute to menu development while maintaining a safe and productive workspace.

The role requires formal culinary qualifications, strong leadership, and deep knowledge of food safety, menu costing, and inventory management.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-volume catering or hotel environment.
• Formal culinary qualification from a recognized institution.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide kitchen staff.
• Excellent understanding of culinary techniques, menu costing, and inventory management.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety and HACCP principles.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to changing demands.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in all aspects of kitchen management, including menu planning, food preparation, and quality control.
• Supervise and direct the work of junior chefs and kitchen staff during service.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented to the highest standards, adhering to recipes and specifications.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation, and ordering of ingredients for the kitchen.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Control food costs and assist in managing kitchen budgets effectively.
• Contribute to the development of new menu items and specials.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Troubleshoot any operational issues that arise in the kitchen during service.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure a safe working environment.

Skills

Sous Chef experience

Leadership

Food safety

HACCP

Menu costing

High-volume

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier catering company renowned for its large-scale event capabilities, is seeking a skilled and experienced Sous Chef to join their energetic team in Benoni, Gauteng. This role is essential for supporting the Head Chef in managing daily kitchen operations, overseeing food production, and ensuring the highest standards of quality and consistency. You will be instrumental in leading the kitchen brigade during service, contributing to menu innovation, and maintaining a safe, efficient, and productive working environment. This is a demanding yet rewarding opportunity for a culinary professional in Benoni who thrives in a high-volume setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in all aspects of kitchen management, including menu planning, food preparation, and quality control.
• Supervise and direct the work of junior chefs and kitchen staff during service.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented to the highest standards, adhering to recipes and specifications.
• Manage inventory, stock rotation, and ordering of ingredients for the kitchen.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations.
• Control food costs and assist in managing kitchen budgets effectively.
• Contribute to the development of new menu items and specials.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Troubleshoot any operational issues that arise in the kitchen during service.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure a safe working environment.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a high-volume catering or hotel environment.
• Formal culinary qualification from a recognized institution.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide kitchen staff.
• Excellent understanding of culinary techniques, menu costing, and inventory management.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety and HACCP principles.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and adapt to changing demands.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Passion for food quality and presentation.
• Must be based in or able to commute to Benoni, Gauteng.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as event schedules demand.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package reflecting your experience and skills.
• Opportunity to work with a leading catering company and manage large-scale events.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A dynamic and challenging work environment.
• Supportive team culture and management.
• Subsidized meals during shifts.