Sous Chef – with Food Styling Expertise

Job description

What we are looking for:
A talented and experienced Sous Chef to support the Executive Chef in leading our culinary operations with a particular focus on food presentation and styling for luxury events, brand activations, and visual media.

Do you fit this profile?
You are passionate about both the taste and visual beauty of food. You combine culinary expertise with an artistic eye for detail, capable of delivering dishes that are both flavourful and visually compelling. You thrive in a fast-paced, high-end hospitality environment and enjoy collaborating across teams to bring creative concepts to life.

Hands on – execution
This role requires a strong sense of initiative, attention to detail, and a highly creative approach. You will play a key role in maintaining The Forum’s high standards of food presentation and in training the team to consistently execute with precision and flair. A background in food styling for events, editorials, or marketing content is essential.
Our purpose is to enhance lives through shared experiences, and as a Sous Chef at The Forum, you will be instrumental in ensuring that our food contributes powerfully to those memorable moments – both in taste and visual experience.

Culinary leadership

• Support the Executive Chef in managing kitchen operations and food production.
• Maintain consistency and excellence in food quality, taste, and timing.
• Lead prep and service across multiple events and service styles (canapés, plated, buffet, food tastings).

Food styling and presentation

• Own the visual presentation of all dishes served.
• Collaborate with marketing and event teams on styled shoots, previews, and content creation.
• Train kitchen staff in modern plating techniques and styling practices.

Operational support

• Support inventory, stock rotation, and supplier liaison.
• Enforce food safety and hygiene practices according to HACCP standards.
• Monitor kitchen productivity and cost efficiency.

Client and team collaboration

• Participate in menu development, tastings, and client meetings.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to junior chefs and kitchen assistants.
• Act as kitchen lead during Executive Chef absence.

Requirements

The Forum Group is renowned for fine food, exceptional service, and premium event delivery. We serve private, social, and corporate clients who expect the highest standards.

• Experience in the luxury hospitality or high-end catering sectors is essential.
• You should have a recognised culinary qualification
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in premium event catering or hospitality kitchens,
• At least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• A portfolio of styled food work or experience in editorial/photographic settings is highly desirable.
• Expert-level culinary and food styling skills
• Strong understanding of flavour profiles and ingredient pairings
• Leadership, mentoring, and communication ability
• High-level organisation and attention to detail
• Up-to-date knowledge of kitchen equipment and plating tools
• Experience with luxury catering or events a strong advantage

In addidion to sending your CV and portfolio to recruitment@theforum.co.za, we would appreciate a few minutes of your time in completing the qualifying questionnaire, via this link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/2Pu8Nt63xw


This questionnaire is developed to better understand your experience as well as application requirements.

Company Description

The Forum Group is South Africa’s leading events and conferencing company, dedicated to delivering world-class experiences. With four unique venues in Johannesburg and one in Cape Town, servicing our clients at a five-star level; wellness, sustainability and a sense of community encapsulate what matters to us.

Posted on 25 Aug 14:25, Closing date 4 Sep