Job Title: Head Chef / Kitchen Lead ( Breakfast, Salads & Sandwiches)
Position Type: Full-Time
Location: [Insert Cafe Name & Location]
Reports To: Cafe Manager / Owner
About Us
we are passionate about serving fresh, wholesome, and flavor-packed food alongside exceptional specialty coffee. We pride ourselves on using high-quality, seasonal ingredients to craft delicious meals that nourish our community. We are seeking a creative, organised, and hands-on Chef to run our kitchen, lead meal preparation, and bring classic english breakfasts, salad and sandwich menus to life.
Position Overview
As our Kitchen Lead, you will take full ownership of our food program. You will be responsible for preparing made-to-order gourmet sandwiches, vibrant healthy salads, and prep items, while managing day-to-day kitchen operations. The ideal candidate blends culinary talent with strong organizational skills—ensuring fast service, strict food safety, zero waste, and high quality on every plate.
Key Responsibilities
- Culinary Execution & Prep:
Prepare artisanal hot/cold sandwiches, handcrafted wraps, and nutrient-dense salads to order with consistent portioning and aesthetic presentation.
Execute daily prep tasks, including washing produce, dressing preparation, roasting proteins, slicing meats, and baking/sourcing breads.
Develop seasonal specials or optimize existing recipes in collaboration with the cafe owner to keep the menu fresh and healthy.
- Kitchen Operations & Inventory Management:
Oversee daily kitchen setup, line execution, and closing breakdown.
Manage inventory levels, conduct weekly stock takes, and place orders with local suppliers for fresh produce, meats, dairy, and dry goods.
Track food costs, minimize kitchen waste, and practice efficient FIFO (First In, First Out) stock rotation.
- Hygiene, Safety & Maintenance:
Maintain spotless hygiene and sanitation standards across all food prep, cold storage, and cooking equipment.
Ensure full compliance with local health regulations, safety protocols, and temperature control logs.
Properly clean and maintain kitchen appliances (panini presses, slicers, refrigeration units, food processors).
Maintain fast ticket times and seamless order flow during busy breakfast and lunch rushes.
Coordinate smoothly with front-of-house barista staff to ensure accurate and timely order delivery.
Train and guide junior kitchen assistants or dishwashers as the team grows.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Experience: 2+ years of culinary experience in a cafe, deli, or casual dining restaurant. Proven experience managing kitchen prep and line execution is required.
- Skills: Expert knife skills, thorough knowledge of flavor pairing and dressing creation, and strong speed of execution during peak hours.
- Food Safety Certification: Valid Food Handler / Food Safety Certification (or local equivalent).
- Attributes: Strong organizational skills, high attention to visual presentation, self-motivated, and reliable under pressure.
- Physical Demands: Ability to stand for long shifts, work near heat/steam sources, and lift inventory items weighing up to 15–20 kg.
- Flexibility: Willingness to work early mornings, weekends, and peak meal times as required.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary + share of pooled tips.
- Free shift meals and specialty drinks.
- Creative input on menu development and specials.
- A clean kitchen environment with a supportive, small-team culture.
Pay: ₹28,000.00 - ₹35,000.00 per month
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
