£29000–£32000 yearly
Full-time
Surbiton
Head Chef / SOUS CHEF— Nigerian Cuisine — Jollof Haven (Surbiton) — Opening Team Location: Ewell Road, Surbiton KT6 7AQ Job Type: Full-time, Permanent Pay: £28,000 - £35,000 per year (DOE) + Tips + Bonus Start Date: November 2026 — Interviews October 2026 About Jollof Haven:* Surbiton's first authentic Nigerian Restaurant & Bar — opening November 2026. 40-cover restaurant + bar + takeaway/delivery. We are bringing true Lagos flavour, premium presentation, and warm Naija hospitality to Surbiton. We need a Head Chef who can OWN the kitchen. If you are interested and believe you have the experience to be a head chef or The Role: You will be responsible for the entire kitchen operation — from menu execution to team leadership, stock, hygiene and profitability. This is not just cooking — this is building a brand. Key Responsibilities: • Leading daily kitchen operations and managing all kitchen staff, • Preparing, cooking and presenting all Nigerian dishes to highest standard: Jollof Rice (Party & Classic), Fried Rice, Ofada & Ayamase, Suya, Asun, Nkwobi, Isi Ewu, Amala & Ewedu/Gbegiri, Pounded Yam, Egusi, Efo Riro, Ogbono, Oha, Banga, Afang, Pepper Soup (Goat, Fish, Assorted), Moi Moi, etc., • Developing specials, controlling portioning and reducing waste, • Creating prep lists, ordering stock, and liaising with suppliers, • Maintaining 100% Food Hygiene, HACCP, allergen compliance and EHO readiness, • Training, mentoring and rostering Chef Assistants / Commis, • Managing food cost, GP, and working with owner on menu pricing, • Ensuring consistent taste — every plate must taste like home What We Need: • Proven experience as Head Chef / Senior Sous Chef in Nigerian / West African restaurant (UK essential), • Expert in cooking almost all major Nigerian dishes — you must be able to cook them blindfolded, • Strong leadership — able to lead, train and discipline kitchen team, • Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (required), • Level 2 Allergy Awareness, HACCP knowledge, • Right to Work in UK — must be reliable and punctual, • Able to work evenings and weekends Benefits: • £28k-£35k + service charge/tips + performance bonus, • Free staff meals on shift, • 28 days holiday, • Be the founding Head Chef — name on the menu, creative input, • Growth to Executive Chef as we expand Application Questions: 1. How many years as Head Chef / Senior Sous in Nigerian restaurant?, 2. List 10 Nigerian dishes you can cook at high restaurant standard., 3. Do you hold Level 3 Food Hygiene? (Certificate number?), 4. Can you reliably commute to Surbiton KT6?, 5. Are you available for a paid trial shift (cooking 3 dishes)? Benefits: • Company pension, • Discounted or free food, • Employee discount