Job Title: Pizza Chef (Wood-Fired Neapolitan Specialist)
Location: Colaba, Mumbai
Restaurant: Fieno – A premium Italian dining venue focused on authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and artisanal techniques.
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports to: Head Chef / Sous Chef
Job Summary
We are seeking a skilled and passionate Pizza Chef (Commi / DCDP / CDP / Sous Chef to lead pizza preparation at Fieno. The ideal candidate will specialize in authentic wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, with deep expertise in dough making, high-hydration techniques, and sourdough processes. You will ensure every pizza meets the highest standards of quality, consistency, and authenticity in a fast-paced, fine-dining environment. This role requires precision, creativity, and the ability to maintain excellence during peak service hours.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and manage pizza dough daily, including mixing, kneading, fermentation, and portioning, with a strong focus on high-hydration dough (65-70%+ hydration) for classic Neapolitan texture.
- Expertly handle sourdough starters — maintaining, feeding, and incorporating natural levain for flavorful, airy crusts with proper structure and leopard spotting.
- Stretch and shape dough by hand using traditional Neapolitan techniques to achieve the signature thin center, puffy cornicione (rim), and soft, foldable texture.
- Operate and manage a wood-fired oven — monitoring and controlling temperatures (ideally 450-500°C), loading/unloading pizzas with peels, rotating for even baking (90-second cooks), and ensuring consistent char and blistering.
- Prepare high-quality toppings, sauces (including San Marzano tomato-based), fresh mozzarella, basil, and premium ingredients while respecting simplicity and balance in Neapolitan tradition.
- Execute pizzas from the menu as well as custom orders quickly and consistently during service, maintaining speed without compromising quality.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the pizza station, tools, and oven area in line with food safety and hygiene standards (FSSAI compliance).
- Assist in dough production scaling, inventory management for pizza-specific ingredients, and minimizing waste.
- Collaborate with the kitchen team to innovate seasonal specials while staying true to authentic Italian/Neapolitan principles.
- Train junior staff on dough handling, oven management, and pizza assembly when required.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Proven experience (minimum 3–5 years) as a Pizza Chef, preferably in a wood-fired or Neapolitan-focused restaurant.
- In-depth knowledge of dough science: hydration levels, gluten development, fermentation timing (bulk + proofing), autolyse, biga/poolish, and sourdough maintenance/usage.
- Hands-on expertise with wood-fired ovens (e.g., managing fire, heat zones, and quick high-heat baking for Neapolitan AVPN standards).
- Strong understanding of authentic Neapolitan pizza characteristics (soft, elastic dough; leopard-spotted crust; 90-second bake).
- Ability to work under pressure in a high-volume, open-kitchen environment with excellent time management and multitasking skills.
- Passion for Italian cuisine, attention to detail, and commitment to using premium, fresh ingredients.
- Basic food safety and hygiene certification preferred.
- Availability for evening/weekend shifts (including late nights as per restaurant operations).
Preferred Skills
- Certification or training in Neapolitan pizza (e.g., AVPN, pizza academies, or equivalent).
- Experience with high-hydration and long-fermentation doughs.
- Creative yet respectful approach to menu development.
- Good communication skills in English (Hindi/Marathi a plus).
What We Offer
- Competitive salary + tips/service incentives.
- Opportunity to work in a premium, new Italian restaurant with a focus on quality and authenticity.
- Supportive team environment and potential for growth.
- Staff meals and uniform provided.
If you are a dedicated pizzaiolo with true expertise in wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, sourdough mastery, and high-hydration dough techniques, we would love to hear from you. Please apply with your resume, relevant experience details, and any photos/references of your previous pizza work.
Fieno is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: ₹13,000.00 - ₹45,000.00 per month
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Provident Fund
Work Location: In person
