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Sous Chef Job in Dubai, UAE
A Sous Chef
is second in command after the Executive Chef in a professional
kitchen. This means he or she answers to the chef, but also has some
authority over the other kitchen staff. Many of the terms that relate to
cooking and cuisine in a professional setting are French. Sous is
French for under, so you can see how the sous chef would work directly
under the leader of the kitchen.
If the Chef is unavailable or off for the night, the sous chef
is in command, and the kitchen staff is expected to offer the same
respect to him or her as they would to the boss. Oftentimes, a Sous Chef
will work in the role for several years with the goal to move on to
become an Executive Chef. In this way, the role is considered practical
training for career growth. Education : Bachelors Degree
Experience : 1 - 5 Years
Skills :
- Hospitality and management education from a college or university would be an asset
- Worked within the kitchen for at least 5 years
- Exposure to Michelin or similar accolade environment
- Excellent P&L, cost control and financial acumen
- Proven track record in establishing stable and proactive kitchen brigades
- Exposure to French Cuisine
Responsibilities :
- Stable and strong second in command for the restaurant
- Assist the Head Chef in meeting and exceeding the company Food GP Budget
- Assists the Head Chef in ensuring all kitchen staff are trained on dish specification and how to achieve food margins
- Responsible for all invoices being processed and accounted for
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Implement and ensure the company Health & Safety Policy is met at
all times this includes the training of all kitchen staff
- Ensure
Company Health & Safety & Food Hygiene Policy is met at all
times – this includes the training of all kitchen staff
What Does a Sous Chef Do?
It’s important that a sous chef be intimately familiar with all the activities of the kitchen and be prepared to do them in a pinch. He or she will prepare and cook food, and know all styles of cooking done in that kitchen, including such skills as French, Italian, and Fusion cooking. The Sous Chef is also responsible for overseeing the kitchen staff, which may involve scheduling or dealing with personnel conflict.
The Sous Chef of a kitchen will also make sure that the food a restaurant or commercial kitchen is using is of top quality, and that staff are being mindful of the cost standards that come with the food. For instance, if a steak costs $10 per 8 ounce serving, it is important that staff do not serve 12 ounces, costing the restaurant in oversight.
As assistant to the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef will help with menu planning, inventory, and managing of supplies. He or she may also aid in making sure the kitchen is up to safety standards, and that staff are obeying sanitation rules.
Being a Sous Chef is not an easy job. During mealtimes, it’s important for them to be quick on their feet and be able to make smart decisions instantly. They often work for long hours with little of the overall credit, but creativity will be the element that helps him or her shine on the way to becoming chef.
Leading by Example in the Kitchen
While Sous Chefs do not have complete authority over the kitchen, it is important that they be strong leaders as well as team players. Being able to communicate with staff is key, especially when stress mounts and tempers rise.
To succeed, a Sous Chef should lead by example, keeping stations clean, preparing foods properly, and cooperating with others. He or she should make decisions that get the best out of every situation, and ignore his or her ego if it arises. A Sous Chef should have respect for the Executive Chef, and value the Chef’s decisions at all times. That being said, the Sous Chef should not be afraid to offer suggestions or creative ideas that can improve upon the kitchen’s performance.
How to Become a Sous Chef
One of the most important steps in becoming a sous chef is gaining kitchen experience. You may have to start by washing dishes or cooking fries, but every experience you gain puts you one step closer to your career, and it can take years to work up the ranks. It's also important to build a relationship with one particular chef. That may mean following him or her from one kitchen to another.
Another important step is to study at a culinary school. There are many located worldwide that offer completion at top-notch programs in as little as two years. Check to see what sort of job placement rate the schools offer when you apply. Keep in mind a city with a high level of tourists, like Orlando, will probably have a higher placement rate due to the sheer number of restaurants in the city.
You will need to be dedicated, creative, and determined to succeed as a Sous Chef. You will need patience to deal with difficult staff and customers, and communication skills to ensure your staff feels like you consider them a part of your team.
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Jobs in Dubai