Key Responsibilities
Kitchen Leadership & Operations
- Oversee all daily kitchen operations to ensure smooth and efficient food production.
- Supervise, train, and manage kitchen staff.
- Assign duties and monitor performance to ensure productivity and accountability.
- Ensure all food orders are prepared accurately, consistently, and within required timelines.
- Maintain discipline, teamwork, and professionalism within the kitchen.
Food Preparation & Quality Control
- Prepare and oversee the preparation of high-quality meals in accordance with menu standards and recipes.
- Ensure consistency in taste, portioning, plating, and presentation of all dishes.
- Conduct regular quality checks on ingredients, preparation processes, and finished meals.
- Maintain high standards of freshness, flavor, and customer satisfaction.
- Develop and improve recipes to enhance menu quality and appeal.
Menu Planning & Innovation
- Support management in menu planning, recipe costing, and new product development.
- Introduce creative menu ideas and seasonal offerings to improve customer experience and sales.
- Recommend pricing strategies based on ingredient costs and profitability targets.
- Adapt menu offerings based on customer preferences and market trends.
Inventory & Cost Control
- Monitor stock levels of all kitchen ingredients, supplies, and equipment.
- Prepare inventory reports and ensure timely requisition of ingredients.
- Minimize food wastage through proper planning, storage, and portion control.
- Monitor food costs and ensure efficient use of ingredients to maintain profitability.
- Prevent theft, pilferage, and misuse of kitchen resources.
Food Safety & Hygiene Compliance
- Ensure strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards at all times.
- Enforce cleanliness in all kitchen areas including cooking stations, storage areas, refrigerators, and equipment.
- Ensure proper food storage, labeling, temperature control, and stock rotation (FIFO).
- Ensure compliance with public health regulations and internal safety procedures.
- Monitor staff grooming, personal hygiene, and safe food handling practices.
Equipment & Maintenance
- Ensure all kitchen equipment is properly used, cleaned, and maintained.
- Report faulty or damaged equipment promptly for repair or replacement.
- Ensure safe operation of all kitchen appliances and tools.
Team Development & Staff Management
- Train kitchen staff on recipes, cooking techniques, hygiene standards, and operational procedures.
- Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching where needed.
- Assist in recruitment and onboarding of kitchen personnel.
- Manage kitchen shift scheduling to ensure adequate staffing during peak hours.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, Food Production, Hotel Management, or a related field from a recognized institution.
- Professional culinary training or certification from recognized institutions is highly preferred.
- Minimum 4-6 years of progressive experience in a busy restaurant, hotel, or commercial kitchen environment.
- At least 2-3 years in a leadership role such as Sous Chef, Kitchen Supervisor, or Head Chef.
- Strong expertise in food preparation, menu development, recipe standardization, and kitchen operations management.
- Certification in Food Safety, HACCP, or Food Handling is an added advantage.
- Proven experience in food costing, stock management, portion control, and wastage reduction.
- Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure while maintaining high food quality and consistency.
- High level of creativity, discipline, hygiene, and attention to detail.