Junior Chef

Position Overview
The Junior Chef / Junior Manager supports the day-to-day operation of the café/restaurant, ensuring that food is prepared to a high standard, kitchen and front-of-house operations run smoothly, and customers receive excellent service. The role assists the senior chef/manager with staff supervision, stock control, food quality, hygiene, and general administration.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen & Food Preparation

• Assist with daily food preparation and cooking.
• Ensure all meals are prepared according to company recipes, portion sizes and presentation standards.
• Maintain consistency in food quality and taste.
• Monitor food quality, freshness and expiry dates.
• Ensure correct food storage and rotation using FIFO principles.
• Minimise food wastage and control portion sizes.
• Keep the kitchen clean, organised and fully operational.

Staff Supervision

• Assist with supervising kitchen and café staff during shifts.
• Allocate daily duties and ensure staff understand their responsibilities.
• Train and guide junior kitchen and service staff where required.
• Monitor staff performance, punctuality and adherence to company procedures.
• Assist the manager with staff scheduling and shift planning.
• Lead by example and maintain a positive, professional working environment.

Operations

• Assist with opening and closing procedures.
• Ensure the café/restaurant is clean, organised and ready for service.
• Monitor customer service and deal with basic customer queries or complaints professionally.
• Assist with managing busy service periods and ensuring orders are completed efficiently.
• Ensure cash-up and daily operational procedures are followed where applicable.
• Assist the manager with resolving day-to-day operational issues.

Stock & Ordering

• Monitor stock levels and report shortages to management.
• Assist with receiving and checking deliveries.
• Ensure stock is stored correctly.
• Assist with weekly/monthly stock counts.
• Monitor food usage and wastage.
• Assist with ordering ingredients and supplies when required.

Food Safety & Hygiene

• Follow all food safety and hygiene procedures.
• Ensure staff adhere to health and safety requirements.
• Maintain proper cleaning schedules and hygiene standards.
• Ensure food is stored, handled and prepared safely.
• Report equipment faults, safety concerns or maintenance issues immediately.

Administrative & Management Support

• Assist the Restaurant/Café Manager with daily operations.
• Complete opening, closing, cleaning and stock checklists.
• Assist with daily reports and basic administration.
• Monitor costs and wastage.
• Assist with implementing company policies and procedures.
• Take responsibility for the café/restaurant in the manager's absence, where required.

Requirements

• Previous experience in a café, restaurant, kitchen or hospitality environment.
• Basic cooking and food preparation skills.
• Previous supervisory experience would be advantageous.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy environment.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Good understanding of food hygiene and safety.
• Ability to lead and motivate a small team.
• Reliable, punctual and professional.
• Willingness to work shifts, weekends and public holidays where required.

Key Performance Areas

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain:

• Food quality and consistency
• Excellent customer service
• Cleanliness and hygiene
• Stock control and reduced wastage
• Effective staff management
• Efficient kitchen/service operations
• Compliance with company procedures
• Overall smooth running of the café/restaurant

Pay: R4 716,32 - R12 028,41 per month

Work Location: In person