SUMMARY:
Senior Sous Chef (5-Star)
POSITION INFO:
Employer Description High-end Luxury Game Lodge Job Description Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Sous Chef to join the culinary team of a award-winning luxury safari lodge where every detail of the guest journey matters. Dining is central to the experience: thoughtful, generous, beautifully presented and rooted in respect for place, people and the surrounding wilderness. They are looking for a skilled, dependable chef to support the Head Chef and Executive Chef in leading daily kitchen operations and delivering food that is considered, consistent and memorable. Key Responsibilities: Assist the Head Chef and Executive Chef with the daily running of the kitchen, ensuring preparation, service and handovers are well organized Support menu preparation, seasonal menu updates, daily specials and guest-specific requirements, including dietary needs and special occasions Maintain consistent food quality, portion control, plating and presentation across all services Supervise kitchen staff during preparation and service, ensuring tasks are completed correctly, calmly and on time Train, coach and mentor junior kitchen team members Ensure ingredients are used responsibly, stored correctly and rotated according to stock control procedures Assist with stock takes, ordering, wastage control and reporting of shortages or variances Uphold statutory hygiene, health, food safety and sanitation requirements at all times Keep kitchen areas, equipment and workstations clean, organized and service-ready Report maintenance issues, equipment faults and safety risks promptly Support accurate kitchen administration, including attendance records, stock documentation and daily operational notes Ensure kitchen staff are correctly dressed, well groomed and professional Liaise with Front of House, Guest Relations and other departments to deliver a seamless guest experience Step into a stronger leadership role when the Head Chef or Executive Chef is off duty or unavailable Qualifications Recognized culinary qualification (diploma or certificate in Professional Cookery or equivalent) Valid food safety and hygiene certification Minimum 4-6 years in professional kitchens, including at least 2 years in a Senior Sous Chef or Sous Chef Experience in a lodge, hotel, restaurant or luxury hospitality environment 5-Star Luxury lodge or fine dining experience highly advantageous Proven experience supervising and training junior kitchen staff Valid driver's licence (advantageous) Skills Strong culinary ability with refined preparation and plating skills Good understanding of luxury lodge standards, guest expectations and personalized dining Reliable leadership style, able to guide a team through busy services Sound knowledge of stock control, kitchen hygiene, food safety and daily administration Clear communication and a practical, team-focused approach Strong attention to detail, consistency and professional presentation Ability to stay calm, organized and solutions-focused under pressure A creative but disciplined approach that values sustainability and responsible use of ingredients Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays and split shifts according to lodge operations Basic kitchen administration skills Passion for developing others and contributing to a culture of exceptional service Salary\/Package Salary is negotiable depending on experience Benefits Accommodation Meals on Duty
