Head Chef - Kiki Restaurant & Lounge - Rochester

Our menu offers a modern dining experience including premium burgers, steaks, lobster, salmon, black cod, mac & cheese, sushi, salads, sides and desserts. We are looking for someone who takes pride in producing high-quality food and can maintain excellent standards during busy service. Key Responsibilities • Prepare, cook and present dishes consistently to The Kiki’s standards., • Work confidently across different sections of the kitchen., • Complete daily food preparation and mise en place., • Maintain excellent portion control, presentation and food quality., • Ensure all food is correctly stored, labelled and rotated., • Maintain high standards of kitchen cleanliness and organisation., • Follow all food hygiene, allergen, HACCP and health & safety procedures., • Monitor stock and minimise unnecessary food waste., • Work efficiently and calmly during busy services., • Communicate effectively with the Head Chef, kitchen team and front of house., • Complete opening, closing and cleaning duties as required. Requirements • Previous experience as a Chef in a professional restaurant kitchen., • Confident preparing and cooking meat, fish and other fresh ingredients., • Strong understanding of food hygiene and allergen procedures., • Ability to work quickly and consistently under pressure., • Excellent teamwork, reliability and attention to detail., • Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene Certificate preferred., • Sushi experience is advantageous but not essential.

Essential Requirements • Minimum of 3 years' experience as a Tandoori Chef in an Indian or Nepalese restaurant., • Excellent knowledge of traditional tandoori cooking techniques., • Ability to prepare naan breads and tandoori dishes from scratch., • Good understanding of food hygiene, HACCP, and health and safety regulations., • Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment., • Strong teamwork and communication skills., • Right to work in the UK. Desirable Skills • Experience with Nepalese cuisine., • Knowledge of stock control and ordering., • Experience training junior kitchen staff., • Passion for producing high-quality, authentic food. Key Duties and Responsibilities • Prepare and cook a wide variety of authentic tandoori dishes to a consistently high standard., • Operate and maintain the tandoor oven safely and efficiently., • Marinate meats, seafood, and vegetables using traditional recipes and techniques., • Prepare fresh naan breads, rotis, parathas, and other tandoor-baked breads., • Ensure all food is prepared and presented according to the restaurant's quality standards., • Monitor cooking times and temperatures to maintain consistency and food safety., • Assist with menu development by introducing new tandoori dishes and seasonal specials where appropriate., • Check the quality and freshness of ingredients before use., • Maintain stock levels and inform management of ingredient shortages., • Minimise food waste through careful preparation and portion control., • Follow all Food Standards Agency (FSA) food hygiene regulations and HACCP procedures., • Maintain a clean, organised, and hygienic kitchen and tandoor station at all times., • Ensure all kitchen equipment is cleaned, maintained, and used safely., • Work efficiently during busy service periods while maintaining high food quality., • Support and cooperate with the Head Chef and other kitchen staff to ensure smooth kitchen operations., • Train and mentor junior chefs and kitchen assistants when required., • Follow all company health and safety policies, including safe manual handling and fire safety procedures., • Be punctual, reliable, and maintain a professional attitude at all times., • Be flexible to work evenings, weekends, and public holidays as required by the business.