Senior Sous Chef
Hoedspruit, South Africa · Permanent · Food, Beverage & Restaurant
An exclusive luxury safari lodge is seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Sous Chef to join its culinary team. The successful candidate will support the Head Chef and Executive Chef in managing daily kitchen operations, maintaining exceptional food quality and presentation, and ensuring a consistently outstanding dining experience for guests. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to a skilled chef with strong culinary expertise, excellent organisational abilities and the confidence to supervise and mentor junior team members. The ideal candidate will have a passion for refined cuisine, attention to detail and an appreciation for the high standards expected within a luxury safari lodge environment. Key Responsibilities Assist the Head Chef and Executive Chef with the daily management and smooth running of kitchen operations. Oversee food preparation, cooking and service to ensure consistent quality, taste, portion control and presentation. Assist with menu development, seasonal menu changes, daily specials and personalised guest dining requirements. Accommodate guest dietary requirements, allergies and special requests while maintaining high culinary standards. Supervise, train, coach and mentor junior kitchen staff to promote teamwork, efficiency and professional development. Ensure that kitchen operations run efficiently during preparation, service and shift handovers. Maintain exceptional food hygiene, health and safety standards in accordance with relevant regulations and internal procedures. Monitor stock levels, assist with ordering, conduct stock takes and ensure effective inventory management. Minimise food wastage through responsible ingredient usage, portion control and proper stock rotation. Ensure that all kitchen areas, workstations and equipment are clean, organised and maintained to the required standards. Identify and report equipment faults, maintenance requirements and potential safety risks. Maintain accurate kitchen records, stock documentation and operational reports as required. Ensure that kitchen staff maintain appropriate grooming, hygiene and professional conduct. Communicate effectively with Front of House, Guest Relations and other departments to ensure a seamless guest experience. Assist with kitchen administration and operational planning. Assume additional leadership responsibilities in the absence of the Head Chef or Executive Chef when required. Minimum Requirements Previous experience as a Senior Sous Chef, Sous Chef or an experienced Chef de Partie ready to progress into a senior leadership role. Experience within a hotel, restaurant, lodge or comparable hospitality environment. Luxury lodge, fine dining or upscale hospitality experience will be advantageous. Strong practical cooking skills and a sound understanding of contemporary culinary techniques. Proven ability to maintain high standards of food quality, consistency and presentation. Experience supervising, training or mentoring kitchen staff. Sound knowledge of food safety, hygiene, sanitation and kitchen health and safety procedures. Understanding of stock control, ordering, inventory management and food cost awareness. Good organisational, communication and time-management skills. Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining a calm and professional approach. Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends, public holidays and split shifts, according to operational requirements. A valid driver's licence will be advantageous. Key Competencies Strong culinary ability and attention to detail. Leadership and team development. Excellent organisational and time-management skills. Effective communication and interpersonal skills. High standards of hygiene, cleanliness and food safety. Sound understanding of stock management and cost control. Creativity combined with consistency and discipline. Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment. A collaborative, proactive and solutions-focused approach. Commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Working Environment The successful candidate will join a professional culinary team within a luxury safari lodge environment, where exceptional cuisine, personalised service and attention to detail are central to the guest experience. This is a live-in position, 6 weeks on 2 weeks off + meals and pension fund The position requires flexibility, a strong work ethic and a willingness to contribute to the overall success of the kitchen and lodge operations.