Job Description

Sous Chef - Upmarket Restaurant, Cape Town City Centre

We are seeking a well-rounded, experienced

Sous Chef

to join our dynamic team at an upmarket restaurant in Cape Town's City Centre. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership, excellent culinary knowledge, and the ability to manage all kitchen sections while ensuring the highest standards of quality and consistency.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Provide strong leadership and assist in managing all departments within the kitchen. Maintain clear communication with both Back of House and Front of House teams to ensure smooth operations. Delegate daily food preparation and duties, maintaining consistency and quality at all times. Work across all kitchen sections - hot, cold, and pastry - while training and guiding junior staff. Coordinate daily tasks and operations with the Head Chef. Estimate daily production needs and monitor the quality of raw and cooked food products. Contribute to menu development, recipe creation, and innovation aligned with the restaurant's style. Ensure food preparation, presentation, and service consistently meet the highest quality standards. Manage food costs, portion control, and maintain high levels of guest satisfaction. Handle stock management, including ordering, par levels, monthly stock takes, and recipe costing. Ensure adherence to food preparation, receiving, storage, and sanitation procedures. Uphold proper food preservation standards, including correct storage and FIFO rotation. Train and motivate staff to maintain a high-performance, positive, and safe working environment. Oversee equipment use and maintenance, reporting any issues promptly. Monitor hygiene, safety, and cleanliness standards for yourself and the team. Communicate daily with restaurant managers and the Executive Chef regarding requirements, events, and functions. Provide regular feedback and address issues as they arise. Set an example for professional conduct, cleanliness, and teamwork. Perform additional duties as required by management.

Requirements

At least 2-3 years' experience in a similar role. Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a high-volume environment. Full knowledge of culinary techniques, kitchen management, and recipe costing. Passion for developing new dishes and maintaining exceptional food standards. Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene, and sanitation practices.

Job Details

Job Type

: Full-time, Permanent

Location

: Cape Town, Western Cape (must reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work)

Language

: English (required)

Shift Availability

: Day & Night shifts (required)
Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person