Sous Chef - High-Volume Event Kitchen

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Sous Chef to join a premier catering operation serving the Bloemfontein area. You will support the Head Chef in daily high-volume event kitchen operations, ensuring consistent production of high-quality dishes for diverse events across the Free State.

The ideal candidate brings a strong culinary background, excellent organizational skills, and thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 4+ years experience as a chef, with 1–2 years in Sous Chef or supervisory role in a busy kitchen.
• Solid culinary skills and knowledge of various cooking techniques and cuisines.
• Experience in managing kitchen staff.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards (e.g., HACCP).
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing demands.
• A relevant culinary qualification is an advantage.
• Must be located in or willing to relocate to Bloemfontein, Free State.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in all aspects of kitchen management, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation.
• Supervise and train junior kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to recipes and standards.
• Manage inventory, assist with stocktaking, and ensure efficient use of ingredients to control food costs.
• Maintain rigorous standards of hygiene, food safety, and sanitation within the kitchen.
• Prepare and cook a range of dishes according to event requirements and quality specifications.
• Contribute to menu development and the creation of new recipes.
• Ensure smooth operation of the kitchen during service, troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

Skills

Culinary skills

Staff supervision

Time management

HACCP knowledge

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier catering company servicing the **Bloemfontein** area, is seeking a skilled and motivated Sous Chef to join their dynamic kitchen team. This role is critical in supporting the Head Chef in managing the daily operations of a high-volume event kitchen, ensuring the consistent production of high-quality dishes for a variety of events across the **Free State**. The ideal candidate will have a strong culinary background, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment. This is a prime opportunity for a talented chef to gain further experience and advance their career in a leading catering organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in all aspects of kitchen management, including food preparation, cooking, and presentation.
• Supervise and train junior kitchen staff, ensuring adherence to recipes and standards.
• Manage inventory, assist with stocktaking, and ensure efficient use of ingredients to control food costs.
• Maintain rigorous standards of hygiene, food safety, and sanitation within the kitchen.
• Prepare and cook a range of dishes according to event requirements and quality specifications.
• Contribute to menu development and the creation of new recipes.
• Ensure smooth operation of the kitchen during service, troubleshooting any issues that may arise.

Requirements

• A minimum of 4 years of experience as a chef, with at least 1-2 years in a Sous Chef or similar supervisory role in a busy kitchen, preferably in catering.
• Solid culinary skills and a good understanding of various cooking techniques and cuisines.
• Experience in managing and motivating kitchen staff.
• Knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards (e.g., HACCP).
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to multitask effectively.
• Ability to work well under pressure and adapt to changing demands.
• A relevant culinary qualification is an advantage.
• Must be located in or willing to relocate to **Bloemfontein**, **Free State**.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off and opportunities for professional growth. This role provides the chance to work with a respected catering company in **Bloemfontein**, gaining valuable experience in large-scale event catering. You'll be part of a supportive team environment in the **Free State**, contributing to the success of memorable events and advancing your culinary career.