Junior Sous Chef at Intimate Safari Camp in Timbavati, South Africa

Job Opportunity: Junior Sous Chef at Intimate Safari Camp in Timbavati, South Africa

Recruiter: Wild Dreams Hospitality
Job Reference: WDH001132/ML
Date Posted: Friday, October 11, 2024
Location: Timbavati, South Africa
Salary: Dependent on Experience (DOE)

Are you passionate about food, wildlife, and delivering a top-tier culinary experience? Do you thrive in unique, remote settings where creativity and innovation are key? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join the culinary team at an intimate safari camp in the heart of the Timbavati region. Wild Dreams Hospitality is looking for a Junior Sous Chef to help elevate the dining experience for guests from around the world.

This position offers an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the pristine wilderness of South Africa, work alongside a talented team, and create memorable meals in a stunning, natural environment.

Position Overview

As the Junior Sous Chef, you will be a key player in our culinary team, supporting the Head Chef and working closely with kitchen staff to ensure that every dish served exceeds expectations. You will have the opportunity to use fresh, local ingredients to create unique and flavorful meals while adhering to high culinary standards.

This role is ideal for a chef with a passion for wildlife and nature, someone who enjoys the challenges and rewards of working in a remote, high-end lodge environment. Your expertise and enthusiasm will help shape the guest experience, making each meal a highlight of their stay.

Key Responsibilities

Your role as a Junior Sous Chef will encompass a variety of tasks that contribute to the overall success of the kitchen, including:

• Supervision and Support: You will supervise kitchen staff, guiding them in food preparation and presentation tasks. Your leadership will ensure that meals are prepared to the highest quality standards and that all kitchen operations run smoothly.
• Recipe Execution: Ensure that all recipes are followed precisely, paying attention to detail in both flavor and presentation.
• Hygiene and Organization: Maintain a clean, organized kitchen environment. This includes ensuring all food preparation areas meet the required hygiene standards and that proper storage procedures are followed.
• Staff Training and Development: Assist in the training and development of junior kitchen staff. Share your culinary knowledge and inspire the team to constantly improve and innovate.
• Inventory Management: Help monitor kitchen inventory levels. This includes ordering supplies when necessary and ensuring stock is always available for meal preparation.
• Efficient Service: Ensure that all meal services run efficiently, particularly during peak dining times. You’ll be expected to manage time effectively and ensure that meals are served promptly.
• Guest Interaction: Engage with guests, inviting their feedback to ensure continuous improvement of the culinary experience. Your friendly demeanor and willingness to adapt to guest preferences will be key to maintaining high satisfaction levels.
• Creativity in the Kitchen: Be open to experimenting with new ideas and concepts in food preparation and presentation, while also maintaining a strong understanding of traditional African cuisine and local ingredients.
• Special Dietary Requirements: Have a clear understanding of special dietary needs and ensure that these are accommodated without compromising on taste or presentation.
• Buffet and Banqueting Excellence: Assist with the preparation and upkeep of buffets, bush banquets, and other special dining experiences for guests.

Candidate Requirements

To be considered for this exciting position, candidates must meet the following qualifications and attributes:

• Education: A Grade 12 qualification is required. A culinary diploma from a recognized institution, or equivalent practical experience in the kitchen, is highly advantageous.
• Experience: You should have at least 2 years of chef experience, ideally in a lodge or remote setting. Experience with local cuisine and ingredients is a big plus.
• Culinary Knowledge: Strong understanding of culinary techniques, trends, and international cuisines is essential. You should also have knowledge of HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) standards to maintain the highest levels of food safety and quality.
• Passion and Creativity: You must have a passion for cooking and a flair for innovation in the kitchen. This role allows you to be creative, using fresh local ingredients to craft memorable dishes.
• Pressure Management: The ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment is crucial, especially during peak service times.
• Communication and Teamwork: Excellent communication skills are necessary, both for working with the kitchen team and interacting with guests. A positive, team-oriented attitude is essential.
• PANstrat Knowledge: Experience with PANstrat (a hospitality management system) would be a significant advantage, though it is not mandatory.
• Flexibility: You must be adaptable and open to learning new techniques and culinary trends. Additionally, flexibility with work hours and duties is important in a dynamic environment like a safari lodge.

Why This Job is for You

This is more than just a job; it’s an adventure. Working at a safari camp in Timbavati, you will experience the beauty and tranquility of the African wilderness, while also honing your culinary skills in a unique environment. You will be living on-site in a “live-in” position, fully immersing yourself in the day-to-day operations of the camp and contributing directly to the guest experience.

If you have a deep love for food, a passion for wildlife, and the drive to take on new challenges in a remote, yet luxurious setting, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to take the next step in your culinary career, apply now for the Junior Sous Chef position. Visit this link to submit your application and become part of our vibrant team in one of the most breathtaking locations in South Africa.

This job listing was prepared for Black Child South Africa. Visit us at blackchildsa.com for more exciting career opportunities across various industries.