Sun International is inviting applications for a Commis Chef – Pooled position in South Africa. The opportunity is available at The Maslow Hotel and is suited to candidates with culinary training and at least six months of experience in a culinary operation.
The successful candidate will join the culinary team and assist with the preparation and presentation of food for restaurant, banqueting and hotel operations.
Commis Chef Job Details
| Job Title | Commis Chef – Pooled |
|---|---|
| Company | Sun International |
| Hotel | The Maslow Hotel |
| Job Reference | SI-1188 |
| Location | South Africa |
| Industry | Hotel, Catering, Hospitality, Leisure |
| Job Type | Permanent |
| Positions Available | 3 |
| Experience Required | At least 6 months |
| Closing Date | Not specified |
About the Commis Chef Position
The Commis Chef will be responsible for preparing and presenting culinary products according to Sun International’s operational standards, food safety requirements and customer service expectations.
The role involves working alongside experienced chefs, preparing ingredients and menu items, maintaining a clean and organised workstation, controlling food waste and stock, and helping ensure that guests receive high-quality food and service.
Commis Chef Responsibilities
Food Preparation
Your responsibilities may include:
- Keeping up to date with food products, industry trends and cooking methods.
- Preparing mise en place and completing pre-service checks.
- Supporting the Chef de Partie with daily food preparation.
- Preparing menu items according to recipes and established preparation techniques.
- Preparing vegetables, sauces, salads, cold starters and hot dishes.
- Controlling food stock and food costs within your section.
- Minimising food waste and unnecessary off-cuts.
- Monitoring food stock levels and reporting shortages.
- Removing food approaching expiry and maintaining organised refrigeration areas.
- Identifying and reporting food quality issues, spoilage and other problems.
Health, Safety and Culinary Standards
The successful candidate will also be expected to:
- Arrive prepared for service and wear the required PPE.
- Have the necessary culinary tools and knives.
- Keep their workstation clean and organised.
- Report issues involving equipment, workstations or systems.
- Follow health, safety, hygiene and environmental regulations.
- Use and store kitchen equipment safely and correctly.
- Participate in stock-taking activities when required.
Customer Engagement
Although this is a culinary role, the Commis Chef may also interact with guests and will be expected to:
- Welcome guests in a friendly and professional manner.
- Treat customers with respect.
- Respond professionally to guest requests.
- Understand customer preferences where required.
- Accurately take guest orders at the buffet.
- Explain menu items and ingredients to guests.
- Prepare and present food according to established standards.
- Provide information about facilities, products and promotions.
- Handle complaints and requests professionally and escalate issues when necessary.
Commis Chef Requirements
To apply, candidates should meet the following requirements.
Education
Applicants should have:
- A 1-year Culinary Certification, or
- An equivalent National Qualification in Culinary Skills at Certificate level.
- Membership with the South African Chefs Association and/or another relevant culinary accreditation body is required.
Experience
- At least 6 months’ experience in a culinary operation.
Skills and Knowledge
Sun International is looking for candidates with knowledge and skills in areas such as:
- Kitchen equipment usage and storage.
- Culinary products.
- Cooking methodologies.
- Food safety legislation and regulations.
- Environmental and sustainability standards.
- Knife skills.
- Waste management.
- Stock control.
- Basic computer skills.
- Food preparation techniques.
- Sensory judgement, including aroma, taste, colour and texture.
Candidates should also be able to follow instructions accurately, pay close attention to detail, work according to specifications and safely operate kitchen equipment.
Personal Skills
The role requires someone who can:
- Work well as part of a team.
- Provide professional customer service.
- Deal appropriately with difficult customers.
- Work accurately and pay attention to detail.
- Complete physical tasks such as cleaning, tidying and cooking.
- Learn and develop new culinary skills.
- Work effectively in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
Working Conditions
The successful candidate must:
- Be willing to work shifts according to operational requirements.
- Be physically capable of moving and handling operating equipment.
- Be willing to perform similar duties in alternative outlets when required.
- Be comfortable working in a fast-paced hotel and hospitality environment.
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Employment Equity
Sun International states that preference will be given to employees from designated groups in line with the Employment Equity Act No. 55 of 1998, its internal recruitment policies and applicable employment equity plans.
How to Apply for the Sun International Commis Chef Job
Interested candidates who meet the requirements can apply for the Commis Chef – Pooled position using the Sun International recruitment portal.
Job Reference: SI-1188
Make sure your application includes accurate information about your culinary qualifications and work experience before submitting it.
Please note: The closing date was not specified in the job information provided. Applicants should check the official recruitment portal for the latest vacancy status and application requirements.

