Chef de Cuisine - Italian Restaurant (Local Hire)

Application Deadline: 21 April 2025

Department: Kitchen

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Kenya - Nairobi

Reporting To: Director of Culinary

DescriptionThe Chef de Cuisine will be responsible for leading the kitchen team, overseeing all aspects of food preparation and presentation for our Italian-focused menu, ensuring the highest standards of quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction. This role requires strong leadership, creativity, excellent organizational skills, and a genuine love for Italian gastronomy.

Key Responsibilities\n\nMenu Development and Execution:\nCollaborate with the Director of Culinary Executive sous Chef and management to develop and refine innovative and authentic Italian menus, including seasonal specials.\nMaster and execute classic Italian recipes with precision and attention to detail.\nStay up-to-date on current Italian culinary trends and techniques.\nEnsure all dishes are prepared according to established recipes and quality standards.\nDevelop and test new recipes, ensuring they meet the restaurant's standards for taste, presentation, and cost-effectiveness.\n\n\n\nKitchen Management and Leadership:\nLead, mentor, and train all kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.\nSupervise and coordinate the activities of cooks, sous chefs, and other kitchen personnel.\nCreate and manage staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage.\nConduct regular kitchen meetings to communicate goals, standards, and feedback.\nEnforce food safety and hygiene regulations, ensuring a clean and safe working environment.\n\n\n\nFood Quality and Consistency:\nMaintain the highest standards of food quality, freshness, and presentation.\nOversee the preparation and plating of all dishes, ensuring consistency and adherence to established standards.\nConduct regular taste tests and quality checks.\nAddress and resolve any food quality issues promptly and efficiently.\n\n\n\nInventory and Cost Control:\nManage food inventory levels, ensuring adequate stock while minimizing waste.\nAssist in ordering and sourcing high-quality Italian ingredients and supplies.\nMonitor food costs and implement strategies to optimize profitability without compromising quality.\nConduct regular inventory checks and report any discrepancies.\n\n\n\nGuest Satisfaction:\nEnsure that all dishes meet or exceed guest expectations.\nHandle guest feedback and complaints related to food in a professional and timely manner.\nMay interact with guests to provide information about menu items or specials.\n\n\n\nCompliance and Safety:\nEnsure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations.\nMaintain a clean and organized kitchen environment.\nProperly train staff on food safety procedures.\n\n\n


Job Requirements\nMinimum of 5 years of progressive culinary experience in a professional kitchen, with a strong focus on Italian cuisine.\nProven experience in a Chef de Cuisine or Sous Chef role within a high-volume, quality-driven Italian restaurant.\nExtensive knowledge of Italian regional cuisines, ingredients, and cooking techniques.\nCulinary diploma or equivalent certification from a recognized culinary institution is preferred.\nStrong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.\nExcellent organizational and time management abilities.   \nAbility to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment.\nProficiency in inventory management and cost control.   \nKnowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations.\nPassion for Italian food and a commitment to culinary excellence.\n


About KempinskiFounded in Germany in 1897, Kempinski Hotels has long reflected the finest traditions of European hospitality. Today, as ever, Kempinski is synonymous with distinctive luxury.

Located in many of the world's most well-known cities and resorts, the Kempinski collection includes hotels in a grand manner, pace-setting modern establishments and older hotels of individual charm. All blend gracefully into their surroundings and offer luxurious accommodation, superb cuisine and unrivalled facilities - complemented by impeccable service.

For leisure and business guests alike, the name Kempinski has long been synonymous with style, mobility and efficiency. Put simply, they are the first choice for the discerning individual.

In addition to operating many of the finest city hotels in the world, Kempinski is a name that can now be found in many exciting resort locations, each combining local flair and ambience with the international standards of service and luxury that Kempinski guests have come to expect.