Senior Sous Chef at Phoenix Recruitment

• 5* Safari Lodge in Paterson, Eastern Cape, is looking for an experienced and hands-on Senior Sous Chef to join their kitchen team.
• Reporting to the Head Chef, the successful candidate will lead daily kitchen operations, develop the kitchen brigade and maintain exceptional food quality, presentation and personalised guest dining experiences.

Duties:

• Run daily kitchen shifts and conduct pre-shift briefings with front-of-house and back-of-house teams.
• Engage with guests regarding menu requests, dietary requirements and special occasions, communicating arrangements promptly to the lodge team.
• Ensure all food meets the lodge’s quality, presentation and service standards.
• Enforce standardised recipes, portion controls and plating specifications across the kitchen brigade.
• Maintain organised cyclical menus, recipes and kitchen documentation.
• Ensure kitchen records and administrative duties are completed accurately and on time.
• Enforce food safety, hygiene, security and health and safety requirements.
• Supervise, motivate and manage kitchen staff during preparation and service.
• Assist with stock control, ordering, food costing and wastage management.
• Support all kitchen sections to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Train, mentor and develop junior chefs to maintain consistency and high performance.
• Keep up to date with industry standards, policies and best practices.

Requirements:

• A diploma or other formal qualification in Culinary Arts.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior culinary role within a 5-star lodge or hospitality environment.
• Proven leadership experience managing kitchen brigades.
• Excellent spoken and written English.
• Working knowledge of GAAP POS and Microsoft Office.
• Strong understanding of food costing, stock control and wastage management.
• Sound knowledge of Food & Beverage service principles.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to perform under pressure.
• Professional conduct and reliable, responsible personal habits.
• A valid driver’s licence.

Closing Date: 30 Nov 2026