Sous Chef

SUMMARY:
An intimate, luxury tented lodge on the banks of the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls is seeking an experienced and dedicated SOUS CHEF

POSITION INFO:
This is a hands-on leadership role for a chef who thrives in a remote, high-end environment; you will drive culinary excellence, mentor a small kitchen brigade, and help translate the lodge's ethos of sustainability and storytelling through every dish served.

Core Criteria:

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef within a high-end hotel or luxury lodge
• Kitchen management experience in a 5-star luxury safari environment essential
• Formal culinary certification, valid Food Handler's Certificate, and valid Certificate of Medical Fitness
• Impeccable knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and sanitation practices
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities, with a track record of developing kitchen staff
• Sound understanding of menu engineering, recipe costing, and stock control
• Knowledge of local and sustainable sourcing practices
• High emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to wellness and community impact
• Proven ability to work in a self-directed, remote environment
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the flexibility to problem-solve under pressure

• Execute daily meals across breakfast, lunch, teas, and dinner in line with the lodge's set menu, ensuring consistency and quality
• Curate memorable dining experiences, including bush dinners, picnics, and interactive chef's events
• Accommodate dietary requests and allergies with creativity and care
• Supervise food preparation, plating, and quality control during service
• Oversee stock rotation, labelling, and inventory control across dry stores, fridges, and freezers
• Train and supervise kitchen porters and junior cooks, ensuring HACCP compliance
• Inspect incoming deliveries and reject sub-standard goods
• Maintain kitchen equipment, hygiene protocols, and safety standards; act as Kitchen Safety Officer
• Uphold sustainability practices, including waste management and a no single-use plastic policy
• Foster a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and continuous learning within the team

• Live-in position; accommodation and meals provided on-site
• Rotational schedule of 24 days on, 6 days off
• Thirty working days annual leave per 12-month cycle, accrued monthly
• Discretionary performance bonus post-probation, subject to company policy
• 3-month probation period; 1 week notice during probation, thereafter per company policy