Executive Chef

Executive Chef – Big Poppa’s

About Big Poppa’s

Big Poppa’s is a modern American speciality restaurant in Trivandrum, celebrated for its bold flavors, smoked meats, hand-cut steaks, and iconic burgers & sandwiches. We pride ourselves on high-quality produce, precise execution, and consistent guest experiences.

Role Overview

As Executive Chef at Big Poppa’s, you will lead our kitchen operations and ensure our dishes meet the highest standards of American specialty cuisine. This role requires mastery of smoked meats and grilling techniques, sharp cost management, and the ability to run a disciplined yet creative kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all recipes and dishes are prepared according to Big Poppa’s standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Lead, train, and inspire the kitchen team to maintain consistency, efficiency, and excellence in their work.
• Manage kitchen costs, including portion control, yield management, and minimizing wastage.
• Oversee production schedules, prep lists, and execution during service, including managing timing extensions for smooth kitchen operations.
• Maintain quality control on all smoked meats, steaks, burgers, and sandwiches, ensuring flavour profiles and plating are consistent.
• Collaborate with management on menu planning, seasonal specials, and food innovations.
• Enforce strict hygiene, sanitation, and food safety standards across all kitchen areas.
• Monitor stock levels, place orders, and maintain relationships with suppliers for premium ingredients.
• Track and analyze kitchen performance, labour costs, and food costs to ensure profitability.
• Foster a professional, disciplined, and motivated kitchen culture.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Sous Chef, or senior kitchen leader in American or Continental cuisine
• Extensive knowledge of smoked meats, steaks, burgers, and sandwiches – both classic and contemporary techniques.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to manage and inspire diverse kitchen teams.
• Solid understanding of food costing, inventory management, and kitchen financials.
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure, fast-paced service environment.

Growth Opportunity

At Big Poppa’s, the right leader will not only head our flagship kitchen but may also be invited to contribute to future restaurant projects and culinary ventures as we expand. We’re looking for someone who’s hungry to grow with us, both creatively and professionally.

Why Join Us

At Big Poppa’s, you’ll lead a kitchen built on passion, innovation, and respect for great American food. If you live and breathe smoked meats, love creating unforgettable guest experiences, and have the discipline to run a tight ship, this is your chance to make your mark

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ₹40,000.00 - ₹75,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Commuter assistance
• Food provided
• Paid time off

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Kitchen: 4 years (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

Work Location: In person