Café Chef / Kitchen Manager

Qetello Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of our client, a vibrant and growing café and co-working destination in Villieria, Pretoria, for an experienced and passionate Café Chef / Kitchen Manager.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on culinary professional who can independently manage a café kitchen while delivering exceptional food quality, maintaining operational standards, and contributing to an outstanding customer experience.

The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, including food preparation, stock control, menu costing, food safety compliance, and kitchen leadership.

Duties & Responsibilities

Food Preparation & Service

• Prepare and serve all menu items according to approved recipes and standards.
• Produce high-quality breakfasts, pizzas, sandwiches, wraps, salads, pastries, and light meals.
• Prepare platters and catering requirements for meetings and events.
• Ensure consistency in taste, presentation, and portion control.
• Deliver efficient service during busy periods.

Kitchen Operations

• Open and close the kitchen according to company procedures.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is maintained and cleaned.
• Manage daily kitchen workflow and productivity.
• Ensure daily mise en place is completed.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and organisation.

Stock & Inventory Management

• Conduct daily and weekly stock counts.
• Manage stock ordering and supplier relationships.
• Monitor expiry dates and implement FIFO stock rotation.
• Maintain accurate stock records and inventory controls.
• Minimise food wastage and shrinkage.
• Implement portion control measures.

Financial Management

• Monitor and control food cost percentages.
• Assist with menu costing and pricing.
• Monitor gross profit margins.
• Implement cost-saving initiatives and reduce unnecessary expenses.

Health & Safety Compliance

• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and standards.
• Implement and maintain HACCP principles.
• Maintain excellent hygiene and sanitation practices.
• Ensure compliance with Occupational Health and Safety requirements.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and train kitchen staff and assistants.
• Foster a positive and productive team environment.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new employees.
• Maintain effective communication with front-of-house staff.

Qualifications

• Professional Chef Qualification (Advantageous)
• Food Safety Qualification (Advantageous)
• Hospitality Qualification (Advantageous)

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years' experience in a chef or café kitchen environment.
• Proven experience in:
  • Pizza preparation and baking
  • Breakfast service
  • Sandwiches and light meals
  • Catering and platters
  • Stock control and ordering
  • Kitchen administration
  • Food costing and menu pricing

If you meet the above requirements and are passionate about food, hospitality, and delivering exceptional customer experiences, please apply by:

Sending your CV to ***email_hidden*** with Subject Line: Café Chef / Kitchen Manager

If you do not receive feedback within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful.