Demi Chef

Job Purpose

• The Demi Chef will support the kitchen team by assisting with basic food preparation, mise-en-place, and service activities under supervision, while maintaining high standards of food safety, hygiene and cleanliness and developing foundational culinary skills in line with operational requirements.

Key Performance Areas

• Assist senior kitchen staff with basic food preparation tasks under supervision

• Support mise-en-place activities as instructed, including washing, peeling, chopping, portioning and pre-preparation of ingredients

• Follow SOPs, recipes, portion guidelines, and preparation instructions accurately

• Assist in preparing simple food components such as vegetables, salads, cold starters, basic sauces and garnishes

• Assist with setting up and breaking down workstations before and after service

• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of own workstation at all times

• Follow cleaning schedules, including daily and deep-clean tasks as assigned

• Assist in plating and presenting food items according to standards under guidance

• Assist with basic food labelling (dates, allergens, storage instructions) under supervision

• Follow FIFO principles and assist with stock rotation

• Report food shortages, damages, or items close to expiry to senior chefs

• Assist with receiving deliveries by checking items against delivery notes and reporting discrepancies

• Help minimise food waste by correct handling and storage of ingredients

• Assist during stock takes when required

• Use kitchen equipment safely and only as trained or instructed

• Report faulty equipment, breakages, or safety hazards promptly

• Comply fully with health, safety, hygiene, and environmental regulations

• Follow allergen control procedures and food safety guidelines carefully

• Assist in maintaining temperature logs for fridges, freezers, and hot-holding equipment

• Wear required PPE and arrive at work prepared with basic culinary tools

• Support senior chefs during service in buffet, live cooking or production areas

• Assist with basic guest interaction when required, maintaining a polite and professional manner

• Refer guest queries, complaints, or special requests to senior kitchen staff

• Maintain professional behaviour and respect when interacting with guests

Job Requirements

Education

• Grade 12

• Studying towards a culinary certification

Experience

• Experience working in food preparation operations preferred

Skills and Knowledge

• OE usage and storage

• Culinary Product Knowledge

• Cooking Methodologies

• Legislation – food safety standards & regulations

• Environmental and sustainability standards

• Knife skills

• Waste management

• Stock control

• Basic Computer Skills

Work conditions and special requirements

• Ability to work shifts that meet operational requirements