Sous Chef (Garde Manger)

Job Description

The Sous Chef (Garde Manger) supports the Executive Chef and Chef de Cuisine in managing cold-kitchen operations, including salads, hors d’oeuvres, sandwiches, dressings, sauces, and plated desserts where applicable. Candidates are generally expected to have culinary training and several years of professional kitchen experience, preferably in a luxury hotel or resort. Strong knowledge of food preparation, presentation, hygiene, HACCP procedures, portion control, and kitchen cost management is important. The successful candidate should be organized, creative, physically fit, and able to lead and train junior colleagues. Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, and holidays, along with excellent teamwork and communication skills, is essential.

Company Info

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is a luxury hospitality group founded in Hong Kong, with hotels, resorts, and residences across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America, and other international destinations. The company is known for warm Asian hospitality, high service standards, and a strong focus on guest comfort. Its Philippine properties include well-established city hotels and island resorts, offering accommodation, dining, spa, events, and leisure facilities. Shangri-La typically provides structured operating procedures, professional development, staff training, and opportunities for career progression within its global network. Culinary employees work in multicultural teams and may gain experience across restaurants, banquets, room service, and specialty food operations. Benefits for eligible employees can include meals, uniforms, service charge, medical coverage, leave entitlements, and staff accommodation or transport, depending on the property and employment contract.

Destination Guide

The Philippines is an archipelago with strong opportunities in hotels, resorts, restaurants, catering, tourism, and cruise-related services. Major hospitality markets include Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Palawan, Bohol, and Davao. Life varies from busy urban living to a relaxed island lifestyle, with warm weather, beaches, welcoming communities, and a food culture influenced by Malay, Spanish, Chinese, and American traditions. English is widely used in workplaces, making communication relatively easy for international candidates. Foreign nationals normally need an employer-sponsored work permit and an appropriate visa, commonly a 9(g) working visa; visitors should not begin employment without authorization. Employers often assist with documentation, medical checks, and relocation arrangements. Candidates should confirm housing, meals, transportation, insurance, service charge, contract length, and tax treatment before accepting an offer. Local living costs can be moderate, although resort-island accommodation and imported goods may be more expensive.