Job Summary
Sous Chef - Five-Star Luxury Safari Lodge - Greater Kruger, Limpopo ? New Role Kendrick Recruitment is searching for a skilled, disciplined and genuinely hands-on Senior level Sous Chef for an exclusive five-star luxury safari lodge in the Greater Kruger, Limpopo. This is a working Sous Chef position. The successful candidate will actively cook, lead service, work alongside the brigade and take full operational responsibility for the daily kitchen. This is not a supervisory or administrative role disguised as a Sous Chef title - it is a practical, kitchen-floor leadership position in a demanding luxury safari environment where food quality, consistency and guest satisfaction are non-negotiable. Please note: Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an in-person interview and a three-full-day practical working assessment under the supervision of the Executive Chef. No virtual interviews will be conducted. Minimum Requirements: Previous Sous Chef experience or substantial Junior Sous Chef experience with demonstrated readiness for the step up - essential Proven experience within a luxury 5-star lodge - essential Recognised professional culinary qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience Strong knowledge of classical and contemporary cooking techniques, food preparation and presentation Experience across à la carte, fine dining, set menus, buffet, private dining and high-volume service Working knowledge of pastry and bakery including desserts, breads, pastries and afternoon tea Solid understanding of dietary requirements, allergens and cross-contamination prevention Proficient in food costing, stock control, stocktakes, ordering and wastage management Computer literate including MS Excel, MS Word and electronic ordering systems Fluent in English - written and spoken - essential Additional South African languages advantageous Willing to live and work in a remote, live-in bush environment Key Responsibilities: ?️ Hands-On Kitchen Leadership Actively involved in mise en place, preparation, cooking, plating and service daily Capable of independently running any kitchen section when required Maintain a visible and practical kitchen presence, particularly during busy services and staff shortages Supervise and maintain high standards across breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner Ensure consistent dish production per approved recipes, specifications and presentation standards Take full operational ownership of the kitchen in the Executive Chef’s absence Assist in the pastry department when operationally required ? Team Leadership & Development Communicate clearly, respectfully and effectively with a diverse team Train; mentor and develop junior chefs through demonstration and practical guidance Lead through example, professionalism and mutual respect Maintain discipline without intimidation; handle disagreements constructively Respect and support the Executive Chef’s established culinary direction and operational systems ? Operations & Administration Manage stock, stocktakes, FIFO/FEFO, ordering and delivery checks Maintain HACCP compliance, hygiene standards and kitchen cleanliness Manage food costing, portion control, yield management and wastage reduction Prepare daily mise en place plans and production schedules Personal Attributes: Honest; reliable and personally accountable Emotionally mature and composed under pressure Strong work ethic and genuine passion for cooking Professional appearance and excellent personal hygiene Willing to learn established systems rather than immediately change menus or procedures Package: Gross Salary: R18,000 to R25,000 per month (DOE) Live-in: Accommodation, meals and Wi-Fi provided Benefits: Medical aid & Provident fund contributions Application Requirements - all of the following must be submitted: Your CV with recent professional photograph in chef’s uniform Culinary portfolio of dishes personally prepared, plated or developed At least three contactable professional references (GM, Executive Chef or direct culinary supervisor preferred) Copies of relevant culinary qualifications ? Please Note: If you do not receive feedback within 7 working days, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.