Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Application Deadline: 14 October 2025

Department: Kitchen

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Kenya - Nairobi

Reporting To: Chef De Cuisine

Description Assist in the management of Kitchen Operations including menu planning and costing, organising special events, developing new dishes, maintaining food quality standards and comprehensive product knowledge.

OVERALL OBJECTIVES
  The job of Sous Chef is executed satisfactorily when:

• Standard recipes are developed and written.
• Dishes and products are developed.
• Ensure that outstanding culinary technical skills are maintained.
• Effective employee working relationships are established and maintained.
• Profitability and popularity of dishes on the menu are reviewed based upon menu item sales figures, and changes are made where applicable.
• All HACCP guidelines are achieved and maintained.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with organizing special events and special food promotions.
• Maintain comprehensive product knowledge including ingredients, equipment, suppliers, markets, and current trends and make recommendations for appropriate adjustments to kitchen operations accordingly.
• Maintain a hygienic kitchen and personal hygiene.
• Clean the kitchen and equipment.
• Work with Superior and Director of People Services to ensure the departmental performance of staff is productive and assist in planning for future staffing needs.
• Assist in training needs analysis of Kitchen staff and ensure training programs are designed and implemented to meet needs.
• Provide input for probation and formal performance appraisal discussions in line with company guidelines. 
• Approve leave after considering hotel occupancy.
• Work with superior in the preparation and management of the department's budget.
• Demonstrate Awareness of OH&S policies and procedures and ensure all procedures are conducted safely and within OH&S guidelines and ensure your direct reports do the same.
• Be aware of duty of care and adhere to occupational, health and safety legislation, policies and procedures. 
• Be familiar with property safety, first aid and fire and emergency procedures and operate equipment safely and sensibly.
• Initiate action to correct a hazardous situation and notify supervisors of potential dangers.
• Log security incidents and accidents in accordance with hotel requirements.
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• Additional responsibilities and tasks can be added at any time according to the needs of the business and of the hotel.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive culinary experience in a professional kitchen.
• Proven experience in a Sous Chef role within a high-volume, quality-driven Italian restaurant.
• Extensive knowledge in a variety of cuisines, ingredients, and cooking techniques.
• Culinary diploma or equivalent certification from a recognized culinary institution is preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management abilities.   
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in inventory management and cost control.   
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Passion  and commitment to culinary excellence.

Benefits Founded in Germany in 1897, Kempinski Hotels has long reflected the finest traditions of European hospitality. Today, as ever, Kempinski is synonymous with distinctive luxury.

Located in many of the world's most well-known cities and resorts, the Kempinski collection includes hotels in a grand manner, pace-setting modern establishments and older hotels of individual charm. All blend gracefully into their surroundings and offer luxurious accommodation, superb cuisine and unrivalled facilities - complemented by impeccable service.

For leisure and business guests alike, the name Kempinski has long been synonymous with style, mobility and efficiency. Put simply, they are the first choice for the discerning individual.

In addition to operating many of the finest city hotels in the world, Kempinski is a name that can now be found in many exciting resort locations, each combining local flair and ambience with the international standards of service and luxury that Kempinski guests have come to expect.

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