Job Description

Our company is in rapid growth and therefore are looking for a self-motivated and highly organised multi tasker who is creative, enthusiastic and passionate about the food and restaurant industry.

We are seeking an

Associate Chef

to join our team -- a developing leadership role designed for a talented, ambitious chef who is preparing to step into executive responsibility. This individual will work closely with the Owner/Operator, receiving direct mentorship and guidance while gradually taking on the strategic, creative, and operational aspects of running the company kitchens.

The Associate Chef will be expected to balance hands-on cooking with leadership responsibilities, ensuring that standards of quality, consistency, and creativity are upheld while also learning the broader management aspects of the role.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Execution

Lead by example in the kitchen, demonstrating strong cooking skills and consistency. Assist in menu planning, development, and seasonal updates under supervision. Ensure recipes, plating, and portioning are followed to company standards. Contribute to innovation while respecting the restaurant's culinary identity.

Team Development

Supervise and support kitchen staff on shifts, fostering a culture of respect and accountability. Assist in training staff, passing on knowledge and ensuring skill development. Implement recipe cards / SOP's, to assist team in consistency and execution. Work with the Owner/Operator to build a strong kitchen team.

Operations & Administration

Assist in managing daily operations: prep lists, ordering, and service flow. Implement daily systems ie. BOH/FOH briefings that include kitchen related info ie. OOS, items to push, and FOH menu knowledge training. Implement matching costing cards to Recipe cards or Operations. Monitor stock levels, waste, and assist with cost control systems. Support and oversee scheduling and rostering for kitchen staff. Ensure administration is kept accurate and updated at all times. Manage HR issues (hiring to disciplinary) of BOH teams in conjunction with Owner/Operator. Ensure compliance with health, hygiene and safety standards ie, Fire Training, First Aid (accident reporting), LI FO rotation / food prep labelling, and Maintenance.

Financial & Strategic Exposure

Gain exposure to budgeting, food cost percentages, and supplier negotiations. Exposure to Wage cost targets. Assist with stocktakes, GP tracking, and cost management. Learn long-term kitchen management responsibilities under the mentorship of the Owner/Operator. Manage BOH team through Quarterly Appraisals.

Skills & Attributes

Strong culinary foundation and technical cooking ability. Creative flair balanced with discipline and respect for systems. Emerging leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team. Willingness to learn the financial and operational side of running a kitchen. Calm under pressure with a solutions-driven approach. Passion for food, quality, and hospitality.

Reporting Structure

Reports directly to the

Owner/Operator

. Supervises: Kitchen teams.

Growth Path

This role is intended as a stepping stone toward full

Executive Chef

responsibility. The successful candidate will gradually take on more autonomy, with the goal of becoming fully accountable for menu development, financial performance, and team management.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: R25000,00 - R30000,00 per month

Work Location: In person