Jerky Werky’s Caribbean Takeaway is bringing real home-cooked Caribbean flavour to Maidstone Town and surrounding areas.
We’re looking for an experienced, qualified Lead Chef who can run a tight, professional open kitchen while keeping that authentic island soul.
This isn’t a trainee post — we need someone who’s done it before, knows their craft, and can prove it!
Must live no more than 30 to 40 mins from the restaurant
About the Role
As Lead Chef, you’ll take day-to-day control of kitchen operations — prep, cooking, hygiene, stock, and staff.
You’ll work hands-on to deliver consistent, high-quality dishes such as jerk chicken & pork, curry goat, pepper steak, brown-stew chicken, and mac & cheese.
You’ll be responsible for maintaining flavour integrity, food safety compliance, and kitchen efficiency in line with Jerky Werky’s growing brand standards.
Core Responsibilities
Leadership & Operations
- Oversee all kitchen activity during prep and service.
- Train and supervise junior kitchen staff; allocate and monitor tasks.
- Maintain a disciplined, clean, and safe work environment at all times.
- Manage production schedules for sauces, marinades, and batch items.
- Monitor portion control, cooking consistency, and presentation.
Food Quality & Authenticity
- Uphold Jerky Werky’s flavour profile and authentic Caribbean standards.
- Prepare and finish all dishes to exact recipes and portion specs.
- Control cooking temperatures, timings, and plating quality.
- Support new-dish development and seasonal menu changes with the Owner.
Compliance & Hygiene
- Maintain full HACCP documentation and daily temperature logs.
- Ensure compliance with Food Hygiene Regulations and EHO standards.
- Manage allergen charts and product-labelling accuracy.
- Carry out weekly deep-clean checks and safety inspections.
Ordering & Cost Control
- Liaise directly with our current approved suppliers for meat, produce, and dry goods. whislt sourcing new avenues.
- Track deliveries, rotation, and waste.
- Work within agreed GP targets and report variances promptly.
Communication & Reporting
- Report directly to the Owner / Kitchen Director.
- Provide feedback on menu performance, sales trends, and prep levels.
- Support coordination between kitchen, front-of-house, and delivery staff.
Qualifications & Experience Required
- NVQ Level 2 in Professional Cookery (or equivalent recognised catering qualification) — preferred but not essential if you have strong, proven experience.
- Level 3 or higher desirable.
- Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a professional kitchen, ideally including Caribbean or grill-based cooking.
- Must have a current Food Safety Level 2 certificate (Level 3 preferred).
- Demonstrated ability to manage HACCP, hygiene, and stock systems.
- Proven ability to meet EHO standards and maintain HACCP systems.
- Excellent knife skills and familiarity with high-volume prep.
- Confident with basic kitchen admin — ordering, stock counts, waste logs.
- Reliable transport and flexibility for occasional event coverage.
Pay, Benefits & Perks
- £16.15 – £18.26 per hour, depending on qualifications and proven experience
- Approx. 26 hours per week (Mon 7 am – 1 pm, Wed 7 am – 1 pm, Fri & Sat 7 am – 3 pm)
- Benefits & Perks
- 28 days’ holiday pro-rata (≈ 14 days p.a.)
- Statutory Sick Pay and workplace pension scheme
- Free staff meal each shift
- Full uniform provided
- Fixed rota for better work–life balance
- Pay review after 3-month probation
- Optional training support provided
- Opportunity for performance bonus based on GP & waste control
- Opportunities to grow as Jerky Werky’s expands into new locations
- Experience
- Required
- Employment
- Part-time
- Schedule
- Every other day from 7am-1pm. Sunday's off
- Salary
- £16.15 – £18.26 hourly
77 Bank Street, ME14 1SJ, Maidstone
Caribbean Takeaway Family Run • 1-10 Employees
Hiring on JOB TODAY since October, 2025
Be part of Jerky Werky’s new Caribbean takeaway launch in Maidstone! Join a friendly team, enjoy fair hours and real island vibes, and grow with a brand that’s full of flavour, energy, and opportunity.
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