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  1. Full-Time
  2. Permanent
  3. MAMA SHELTER
  4. Culinary

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MAMA SHELTER CAPE TOWN, Cape Town, South Africa

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REF107463J

Sous Chef

Region

Luxury & Lifestyle


Company Description

MAMA?

Founded in 2008 by Serge Trigano and his sons Jérémie and Benjamin (co-founders of Club Med), Mama Shelter is a creator of living spaces and a daily director!

These are atypical places, where everyone feels at home, places born of a blend of influences, freedoms, sensations and emotions. Each Mama tells the story of the city in which it is located, and all influences blend together. We offer our guests a joyful atmosphere and exceptional service at an affordable price. 

More than just rooms and restaurants, Mama Shelter is a dynamic, a vibe: they are true urban refuges, not only aesthetically pleasing and modern but also popular, welcoming and sexy.

Whatever your role, we're all here to make the customer experience as unforgettable as possible. 

Our mission: to bring little moments of happiness to people.

Our growth has enabled us to offer our teams great career paths through internal development and international mobility, and it's not a question of diplomas or years of experience.

Mama Shelter is part of Ennismore, a creative hotel group rooted in cultures and destinations, with a global portfolio of brands. Ennismore is a joint venture with Accor, founded in 2021.

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Our commitment to diversity and inclusion: 

Mama is an inclusive company, and our ambition is to recruit and promote diverse talent. 


Job Description

🌟 THE MISSION

You are the right hand of the Head Chef and a key driving force in Mama’s kitchen 🍽️🔥✨ — ensuring every service runs with precision, energy, and consistency.

As our Sous Chef, you are on the pass, in the heart of the action, leading by example and keeping the kitchen rhythm strong, focused, and under control.

You help turn big culinary ideas into perfectly executed plates that deliver Mama’s bold, memorable dining experience 🎶💫

Here’s what you’ll be responsible for:

⚡ Kitchen Leader in Action

  • Support the Head Chef in the daily running of the kitchen
  • Lead service from the pass, ensuring speed, accuracy, and consistency
  • Take full ownership of the kitchen when required, maintaining standards and flow

🍽️ Execution Excellence

  • Ensure every dish is delivered to Mama’s standards in taste, presentation, and timing
  • Oversee section performance and support chefs during high-pressure service
  • Drive consistency across all meal periods and menu items

👥 Team Support & Development

  • Supervise, guide, and motivate junior chefs across all sections
  • Support training, onboarding, and continuous skills development
  • Lead by example with a calm, hands-on, and supportive approach

📊 Operational Discipline

  • Support food cost control, portioning, and waste reduction
  • Maintain kitchen organisation, cleanliness, and compliance standards
  • Ensure prep levels and stock management are always service-ready

🤝 Collaboration Partner

  • Work closely with the Head Chef to deliver menu execution and innovation
  • Coordinate with FOH and Bar teams to ensure smooth service flow
  • Support events, activations, and special dining experiences

🛎️ Standards Guardian

  • Uphold Mama’s kitchen standards across hygiene, safety, and consistency
  • Ensure all HACCP and food safety procedures are followed at all times
  • Maintain discipline and structure during high-volume service

🎉 Energy Driver

  • Keep energy high, focused, and positive throughout service
  • Step in wherever needed to support the team and maintain flow
  • Help create a kitchen environment that is fast-paced, fun, and professional

Qualifications

🌟 MADE FOR YOU… ONLY IF ✨

  • You have solid experience as a Sous Chef or strong Senior CDP in high-volume or lifestyle hospitality kitchens 🍽️🏨
  • You thrive in fast-paced, high-energy environments where precision and pressure go hand in hand ⚡
  • You are highly organised, reliable, and strong in kitchen discipline 🛠️
  • You are confident running sections and leading service when required 🔥
  • You understand food cost, prep control, and operational efficiency 📊💰
  • You are a hands-on leader who stays present on the pass and leads by example 👨‍🍳👩‍🍳
  • You are passionate about food, teamwork, and delivering consistent guest experiences 💖
  • You communicate clearly and supportively with both chefs and front-of-house teams 💬🤝
  • You bring energy, resilience, and a positive attitude to every service 👥💫

🎯 YOUR LITTLE EXTRAS

  • Pre-opening experience? Big plus 🏗️✨
  • Lifestyle or branded restaurant experience? Even better 🌍
  • You know how to bring structure without killing creativity 🍸🔥
  • You show up with grit, pride, and Mama personality every day 🎶💫

Additional Information

Next, we're sure you know the tune 🎶:

  • First melody: “At Mama, no AI! We review your application in person and take the time to understand your background. 🎧
  • First verse: We organise an initial telephone interview with our People & Culture Team to see if your application fits in with our rhythm. 🤳
  • Chorus: Once you've passed the phone interview, we'll arrange a remote meeting 💻 or a meeting at Mama 🤝 to meet the Gang! 
  • Last verse: Naturally, you'll receive a response from us within two to three weeks at the latest, whether it's a ✔️ or a ✖️.

Diversity & Inclusion for Accor means welcoming each and everyone and respecting their differences by giving priority only to qualities and skills in extending employment and development opportunities. Our ambition is to provide meaningful employment, a warm and welcoming culture, excellent working conditions and to promote the development of all people, including those with disabilities.

When applying, do not hesitate to let us know of any specific needs you may have so that we can take them into consideration.

LET YOUR PASSION SHINE

We foster our creativity, our excellence and progressiveness. We interconnect with each other and our environment, to create a new kind of quiet luxury. With us, you can take pride in being part of a wider global team leading the way in local sustainability initiatives. Working together with our communities, we will empower you to make your own meaningful impact.

LEARN ABOUT US

Let your passion shine

We take pride in promoting heartfelt hospitality with a French Zest, valuing passion, excellence and emotional intelligence. We pioneer a committed and sustainable approach to luxury, encouraging openness and inclusivity. We value new encounters with colleagues and guests from all horizons with a goal of creating a distinctive culture together.

JOIN US