Executive Sous Chef at Seasoned Recruitment in Sandton, Gauteng

Executive Sous Chef – Luxury Hospitality

Location: Sandton, Gauteng
Position: Executive Sous Chef
Salary: R25,000 – R30,000 per month, based on experience
Department: Culinary
Reports To: Executive Chef / General Manager

Seasoned Recruitment is looking for an experienced, passionate, and hands-on Executive Sous Chef to join a prestigious luxury hospitality operation in Sandton.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior culinary professional with a strong background in five-star hotels, luxury hospitality, or high-end restaurants. The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Chef to oversee daily kitchen operations, maintain exceptional culinary standards, manage the kitchen team, and ensure consistent delivery across restaurant, breakfast, banqueting, private dining, and special events.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Executive Chef with the overall management and operation of the kitchen.
• Take responsibility for kitchen operations in the absence of the Executive Chef.
• Lead, motivate, train, and develop Sous Chefs, Chef de Parties, Commis Chefs, and kitchen staff.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, preparation, presentation, and consistency.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared according to approved recipes, specifications, and presentation standards.
• Oversee daily food preparation and service across restaurant, breakfast, banqueting, private dining, and events.
• Ensure smooth and efficient kitchen operations during high-volume service periods.
• Assist with menu development and contribute creative culinary ideas.
• Assist with menu costing, recipe development, portion control, and food-cost management.
• Monitor stock levels and ensure effective stock rotation and storage.
• Assist with purchasing, receiving, and checking the quality of food deliveries.
• Control food wastage and implement measures to minimise unnecessary costs.
• Ensure proper mise en place and preparation for all service periods.
• Conduct regular quality checks throughout kitchen operations.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, sanitation, and health and safety standards.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and organisation throughout all kitchen areas.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is properly maintained and report any faults or maintenance requirements.
• Assist with staff scheduling and ensure appropriate staffing levels for operational requirements.
• Train and coach culinary staff to ensure continued development and improved performance.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding, and performance management where required.
• Maintain a positive, professional, and accountable kitchen culture.
• Work closely with Front of House and Food & Beverage management to ensure seamless service.
• Assist with VIP functions, special events, private dining, and bespoke culinary requirements.
• Monitor guest feedback relating to food quality and presentation and implement corrective action where required.

Financial & Cost Control

• Assist the Executive Chef in achieving agreed food-cost targets.
• Monitor portion control and recipe compliance.
• Assist with menu costing and menu engineering.
• Monitor stock variances and investigate discrepancies.
• Control wastage and ensure efficient use of ingredients.
• Assist with purchasing and ensure value for money without compromising quality.
• Support effective labour utilisation and productivity within the kitchen.

Requirements

• Relevant Culinary / Chef qualification or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in a senior culinary position, preferably as an Executive Sous Chef or Sous Chef in a high-end environment.
• Previous experience within a five-star hotel, luxury hospitality environment, or high-end restaurant is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience managing busy kitchen operations.
• Experience across restaurant, breakfast, banqueting, private dining, and events is advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of food costing, portion control, stock management, and wastage reduction.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and health and safety standards.
• Strong leadership and team-development skills.
• Ability to train, mentor, and motivate a diverse culinary team.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
• Creative approach to menu development and food presentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to culinary excellence.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a hands-on, passionate, and commercially aware culinary leader who can support the Executive Chef while taking ownership of daily kitchen operations.

The successful candidate should be comfortable working in a fast-paced luxury environment, leading a large culinary team, and maintaining consistently high standards across every service.

You will need to demonstrate strong leadership, creativity, discipline, attention to detail, and a genuine passion for delivering exceptional food and guest experiences.

Salary: R25,000 – R30,000 per month, based on experience.

Location: Sandton, Gauteng

If you are an experienced Executive Sous Chef looking for your next career opportunity within a luxury hospitality environment, please send your updated CV, food portfolio, and head-and-shoulders photograph to fabio@seasoned.co.za.

Pay: R25 000,00 - R30 000,00 per month

Work Location: In person