Sous Chef at Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya

    Safari Park Hotel logo

    Sous Chef

    Safari Park HotelNairobi, Kenya

    Posted

    1 week ago

    Apply by

    26 Aug

    Full Time
    On Site
    Senior
    Tourism, Travel & Leisure
    Food Services & Catering

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    Job Description

    Reporting to the Executive Chef, the successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, including food preparation and presentation. They will supervise and guide kitchen staff, ensure efficient kitchen operations, and assist in menu development and refinement. The role also involves maintaining health, safety, and sanitation standards, managing inventory and food costs, and training and mentoring junior kitchen staff.

    Key Responsibilities

    • Oversee the daily kitchen operations, including food preparation and presentation.
    • Supervise and guide kitchen staff, ensuring they perform to high standards.
    • Ensure the kitchen operates in an efficient manner and that orders are completed on time.
    • Assist the Executive Chef in developing and refining the menu, creating new dishes and improving current recipes.
    • Stay updated with food trends, dietary restrictions, and new cooking techniques.
    • Collaborate with the Executive Chef to implement seasonal and special menus.
    • Ensure that all dishes are prepared according to the standards and specifications set by the Executive Chef.
    • Taste and evaluate dishes during service for flavor, presentation, and consistency.
    • Monitor portion control and waste management to maximize kitchen profitability.
    • Assist in managing inventory levels, ensuring stock is appropriately ordered and maintained.
    • Work with suppliers to ensure the best quality ingredients are sourced within budget.
    • Help control food costs by minimizing waste, optimizing ingredient use, and tracking expenditure.
    • Ensure that the Kitchen adheres to all health, safety, and sanitation standards.
    • Train kitchen staff on hygiene, proper food handling, and equipment usage.
    • Maintain a clean and organized kitchen, ensuring all food storage, preparation, and cooking areas are up to standards.
    • Train and mentor junior kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
    • Evaluate staff performance and provide constructive feedback to help them grow.
    • Take part in recruitment, scheduling, and performance management of kitchen employees.
    • Assist with scheduling kitchen staff and managing staff-related issues.
    • Record and report daily kitchen operations, inventory usage, and food costs.
    • Handle operational duties in the absence of the Executive Chef.

    Required Qualifications

    • Holder of a certificate or diploma in food production or culinary arts from Kenya Utalii College or any other reputable hotel training institution.
    • Must have knowledge and exposure of not less than 10 years, 4 of which must be in a "5 star" kitchen set up.
    • Proven experience as a Sous Chef, preferably in a fine dining or high-volume restaurant.
    • Extensive knowledge of kitchen operations, menu development, and modern cooking techniques.
    • Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
    • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing circumstances.
    • Excellent understanding of food safety, hygiene regulations, and kitchen sanitation standards.
    • Experience with inventory management and cost control.
    • Creative, innovative, and passionate about culinary arts.

    Job Details

    Job Function

    Food Services & Catering

    Minimum Experience

    10 years

    Education Level

    Junior Secondary Certificate (Grade 9 / Equivalent)

    Area of Study

    Culinary Arts

    Field of Study

    Food Production

    Languages

    English

    Additional Information

    How to Apply: Send your application letter indicating the title of the position, along with a detailed CV, copies of relevant certificates, and testimonials to the Human Resource & Admin Manager, PO Box 45038-00100, Nairobi, Kenya, or email careers@safariparkhotel.co.ke by Wednesday, 26th August 2026. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

    Mastering the 5-Star Kitchen Interview

    This role demands more than just cooking skill—it's about leadership, precision, and cost control in a high-pressure environment. Hiring managers will probe your ability to manage a brigade, maintain standards, and keep food costs in check.

    1. Showcase your leadership style: Be ready to give concrete examples of how you've motivated and managed kitchen staff. Discuss how you handle underperformers and foster teamwork. For instance, describe a time you turned around a struggling section.

    2. Prove your 5-star experience: Highlight your years in luxury hotel kitchens. Be specific about the standards you upheld, the volume you handled, and the types of cuisine. If you've worked in a Michelin-starred or similar environment, emphasize that.

    3. Demonstrate menu development skills: Bring a portfolio of dishes you've created or improved. Explain your process from concept to plate, including costing and sourcing ingredients. Show that you stay current with food trends.

    4. Emphasize cost control: Prepare numbers from your past roles: food cost percentages, waste reduction achievements, and inventory accuracy. Managers want to see you can protect profitability without compromising quality.

    5. Brush up on food safety regulations: Expect questions on HACCP, sanitation, and allergen management. Be ready to explain how you train staff on hygiene and ensure compliance. Mention any certifications you hold.

    6. Prepare for practical scenarios: You might be asked to handle a mock service or solve a kitchen crisis. Think on your feet: how would you handle a shortage of ingredients, a staff no-show, or a VIP order?

    7. Show your passion for mentoring: Talk about how you've developed junior chefs. Share examples of training programs you've run or individuals you've mentored to promotion. This shows you invest in your team.

    8. Align with the hotel's brand: Research Safari Park Hotel's dining outlets and style. Tailor your answers to show you understand their guest profile and can elevate their culinary offerings. Mention any ideas you have for seasonal menus.

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    Tags

    culinary arts
    kitchen management
    food safety
    menu development
    staff training