Job Description – Sous Chef | Café
Position: Sous Chef
Department: Kitchen / Culinary
Industry: Café / Hospitality
Experience: 4–6 Years
Employment Type: Full-Time
Location: Mumbai
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Sous Chef to join our café kitchen team. The ideal candidate should have a strong culinary background with hands-on experience working in a café environment and should be well-versed in café-style food preparation, kitchen operations, food quality, and team management.
The candidate will work closely with the Head Chef/Executive Chef to ensure smooth daily kitchen operations while maintaining high standards of food quality, hygiene, consistency, and presentation.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist the Head Chef in managing day-to-day kitchen operations.
- Supervise and coordinate the kitchen team during service.
- Ensure all food is prepared according to the approved recipes, portion sizes, presentation standards, and quality guidelines.
- Have strong knowledge of café menus, including breakfast, sandwiches, salads, pasta, burgers, pizzas, desserts, and other café-style offerings.
- Support the development of new dishes, seasonal menus, and special promotions.
- Ensure proper mise en place is completed before every service.
- Monitor food quality, taste, presentation, and consistency.
- Maintain proper food storage and ensure FIFO practices are followed.
- Monitor daily stock levels and coordinate with the Store/Purchase team for requirements.
- Control food wastage and ensure proper utilisation of ingredients.
- Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen cleanliness.
- Ensure all kitchen equipment is used safely and maintained properly.
- Train, guide, and motivate junior kitchen staff.
- Allocate duties to kitchen staff and manage workflow during busy service periods.
- Coordinate with the service team and management to ensure smooth operations.
- Assist in maintaining food cost and controlling unnecessary wastage.
- Ensure proper closing procedures and kitchen handover are completed daily.
- Handle kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef.
Required Skills
- Strong knowledge of café-style cuisine and food preparation.
- Good understanding of food presentation and portion control.
- Strong leadership and team-management skills.
- Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen SOPs.
- Good understanding of food costing and inventory control.
- Ability to manage a busy kitchen during peak hours.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to maintain consistency and quality under pressure.
- Good communication and coordination skills.
- Creative approach towards menu development and food presentation.
Experience Required
- 4–6 years of total culinary experience.
- Prior experience as a Sous Chef / Junior Sous Chef / Chef de Partie in a reputed café, restaurant, or similar F&B establishment.
- Previous hands-on experience specifically in a café is strongly preferred.
- Experience managing a kitchen team and handling high-volume service will be an added advantage.
Preferred Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate should be:
- Passionate about food and café culture.
- Hands-on and comfortable working on the kitchen floor.
- Disciplined and organised.
- Creative and quality-focused.
- Capable of managing kitchen staff independently.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced café environment.
- Familiar with maintaining premium food quality and presentation standards.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Food quality and consistency
- Kitchen efficiency and service speed
- Food cost and wastage control
- Hygiene and food safety compliance
- Team productivity and discipline
- Effective inventory management
- Customer satisfaction and food presentation
- Timely execution of menu and promotional requirements
Salary: As per experience and industry standards
To Apply: Candidates should share their updated CV along with details of their previous café/restaurant experience.
Pay: ₹40,000.00 - ₹60,000.00 per month
Benefits:
- Food provided
- Leave encashment
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Provident Fund
Work Location: In person
