Job Summary
Sous Chef – Luxury Winery – Hermanus Kendrick Recruitment is seeking a skilled and passionate Sous Chef to join a high-end luxury winery in Hermanus. This live-out role is ideal for a culinary professional who thrives in a fine-dining, team-focused environment and is committed to delivering exceptional seasonal cuisine paired with exquisite wines. Salary: R16,000 – R20,000 DOE Accommodation: Live-out Key Responsibilities Kitchen Operations & Leadership Support the Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations Collaborate with fellow Sous Chefs to ensure smooth service across all sections Take responsibility for kitchen operations in the absence of the Executive Chef Supervise and coordinate all kitchen sections during service Ensure efficient and high-quality service in a fast-paced fine-dining environment Food Quality & Consistency Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency Execute dishes in line with the winery’s culinary philosophy Monitor plating, portioning, and final presentation before service Focus on seasonal, terroir-driven cuisine and innovative menu offerings Menu Development & Innovation Contribute to menu creation and refinement Work closely with the Executive Chef on food and wine pairing concepts Support culinary innovation aligned with the property’s high standards Team Development & Training Train; mentor, and support junior chefs and kitchen staff Lead by example in professionalism, discipline, and teamwork Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement Health; Safety & Compliance Ensure strict adherence to hygiene, safety, and food standards Maintain compliance with food safety regulations and internal SOPs Monitor cleanliness and organisation across all kitchen areas Stock & Quality Control Assist with stock management, ordering, and cost control Monitor waste and implement efficiency improvements Ensure correct storage, rotation, and handling of ingredients Guest Experience & Collaboration Work closely with FOH to deliver a seamless guest experience Engage with guests when required, representing the winery professionally Support service flow to align kitchen output with guest expectations Culture & Team Environment Promote a positive, respectful, and high-performance kitchen culture Encourage collaboration across departments Contribute to a supportive and motivated team environment Key Competencies & Skills Strong leadership and team collaboration skills Excellent organisational and time-management ability High attention to detail and consistency Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced environment Strong communication skills with kitchen and FOH teams Passion for food, wine, and hospitality Experience & Qualifications Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie in a fine-dining or high-end hospitality environment Knowledge of food and wine pairing (advantageous) Formal culinary qualification preferred Strong understanding of modern culinary techniques and trends Sound understanding of kitchen financials and stock control