Job Description

Job Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at Mamawu. Currently operating in a fast-paced daytime environment, we are expanding our offerings to include evening service and need a dynamic leader to oversee all kitchen operations. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced chef to take ownership of a growing kitchen, create seasonal menus, and develop a strong team while maintaining high standards of food quality, hygiene, and customer satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead the kitchen team during both daytime and evening service, ensuring smooth operations at all times.

Develop and innovate new menu items, keeping up with food trends and customer preferences.

Manage food preparation, portion control, and kitchen inventory, minimizing waste and optimizing cost efficiency.

Supervise, train, and mentor junior kitchen staff, providing clear instructions and maintaining high standards of kitchen hygiene and food safety.

Ensure all dishes meet the cafe's quality standards, from taste to presentation.

Collaborate with management on staffing needs and assist in creating efficient kitchen schedules.

Handle daily ordering, stock control, and ensure the kitchen remains well-stocked.

Oversee and maintain the cleanliness and organisation of the kitchen, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Work closely with the front-of-house team to ensure seamless communication between the kitchen and service staff.

Address any customer complaints or concerns regarding food quality and make adjustments as needed.

Contribute to the overall strategy for expanding the cafe's evening menu and ambiance to attract new customers.

Requirements:

Proven experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, or in a senior kitchen role, preferably in a fast-paced cafe or casual dining environment.

Strong leadership and team management skills.

In-depth knowledge of culinary techniques, kitchen equipment, and food safety standards.

Ability to manage inventory, control food costs, and work within budget constraints.

Passion for food, creativity, and an eye for detail in both food preparation and presentation.

Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment, especially during peak hours.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with the front-of-house team and ensure customer satisfaction.

A flexible approach to working hours, including evening shifts.

Preferred Qualifications:

Culinary degree or equivalent certification.

Experience in menu development and creating seasonal dishes.

Knowledge of current food trends and dietary preferences (e.g., plant-based, gluten-free).

What We Offer:

Competitive salary based on experience.

Opportunity to shape the direction of the evening menu and cafe expansion.

A collaborative and supportive work environment.

Room for growth as the cafe continues to expand its evening offerings.

If you're a creative, dynamic, and skilled Head Chef who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is excited about helping us grow into the evening service, we'd love to hear from you!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 30,000.00-35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking
Experience:

Chef: 2 years (preferred) Cooking: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person