Head Chef/Kitchen Manager

Job Title: Head Chef

Location: Café Khoblu – Multi Cuisine

Reporting To: Management / Operations Head

Role Overview

* Overall responsibility for kitchen operations, food quality, staff performance, hygiene compliance, and cost control

* Actively participate in cooking and food preparation, including preparing main dishes

* Step in to perform any kitchen role during staff shortages or in the absence of other chefs

* Lead the kitchen with discipline, clarity, and consistency while maintaining Café Khoblu standards

Key Responsibilities

1. Communication and Coordination

* Maintain clear and timely communication with kitchen, service staff, management, and owners

* Conduct daily pre-service briefings and post-service debriefs

* Communicate menu changes, daily specials, allergen alerts, and expected guest flow

* Share weekly kitchen performance updates, challenges, and feedback with owners

* Escalate emergencies such as equipment failure, food safety issues, staff shortages, or guest complaints immediately

2. Staff Supervision and Workforce Management

* Supervise the entire kitchen team and assign daily duties

* Manage staff schedules, shift transitions, and approve leave

* Ensure adequate staffing during all service hours

* Monitor grooming, hygiene, punctuality, and discipline

* Resolve conflicts and maintain a respectful kitchen environment

* Conduct weekly kitchen staff meetings for reviews and communication

3. Daily Kitchen Operations and Service

* Lead morning and evening kitchen briefings

* Prepare and supervise food preparation, including main course dishes

* Oversee cooking, plating, and order dispatch during service

* Step in to handle any station as required during peak hours or staff absence

* Ensure adherence to kitchen SOPs for opening and closing

* Maintain leadership, calm, and clarity during peak service hours

* Identify operational gaps and implement corrective actions

4. Training, Mentoring, and Skill Development

* Train staff in cooking techniques, speed, consistency, and hygiene

* Conduct onboarding and orientation for new kitchen hires

* Lead monthly hygiene and food safety training sessions

* Mentor team members for leadership and long-term growth

* Organise tastings and trials for new dishes and seasonal menus

5. Inventory Management, Procurement, and Costing

* Conduct daily stock checks and maintain accurate inventory logs

* Ensure FIFO compliance and proper storage of all ingredients

* Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly ordering lists with management

* Coordinate with vendors for timely and quality deliveries

* Track, report, and minimise wastage through portion control

* Monitor food cost percentages and recommend cost-saving measures

6. Safety, Hygiene, and Compliance

* Ensure strict adherence to FSSAI and Café Khoblu hygiene standards

* Enforce daily cleaning checklists and weekly deep-clean protocols

* Oversee equipment safety and safe kitchen practices

* Report equipment breakdowns and coordinate preventive maintenance

* Keep the kitchen audit-ready at all times

7. Quality Assurance and Menu Standards

* Ensure consistency in taste, portioning, and presentation

* Implement and enforce standardised recipe sheets

* Conduct regular tasting and quality checks

* Collaborate with management on menu planning and seasonal specials

* Incorporate guest and service feedback into kitchen improvements

8. Reporting and Documentation

* Submit daily prep sheets, inventory updates, and specials lists

* Maintain weekly waste reports, staff rosters, and cleanliness records

* Submit monthly food cost reports, performance reviews, and vendor evaluations

* Maintain updated SOPs, recipes, safety logs, and training records

* Keep transparent documentation of staff attendance, leave, and disciplinary actions

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ₹20,000.00 - ₹25,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Food provided
• Paid sick time

Work Location: In person