Ikigai is a coworking office space in Nairobi that promotes wellness by creating workspaces that blend into the natural environment. We believe that individuals are more creative, healthier and happier in the outdoors.

Who We Are Looking For

The Ikigai Senior Chef will be responsible for delivering an outstanding F&B experience for all Ikigai members and guests, and will be responsible for all culinary operations throughout our Spaces. You are the right person if you enjoy wearing many hats, are energized by people and work well in a team, and are detail-oriented. You thrive in a busy environment and love creating personalized, high-quality F&B experiences! The Ikigai Senior Chef enjoys the idea of being part of something bigger than any one person, and ultimately takes pride in a job well done and in positively impacting the Ikigai community.

We Are Looking For Someone Who Will

• Emulate Ikigai’s core values and strive to achieve our mission
• Create innovative and high-quality menu concepts that align with Ikigai’s brand
• Ensure all culinary operations are profitable and operate efficiently
• Foster a culture of sustainability and green practices within the kitchen
• Continuously expand theirs and their team’s knowledge of food and beverage quality controls, and preparation and presentation methods

Key Responsibilities

Delivery of Excellent F&B Experiences

• Work with the leadership team to develop menus using fresh, high-quality, and healthy ingredients, including meal ideas for special events
• Design, cost, and price menus to achieve budgeted margins
• Welcome all Ikigai members and guests to the F&B space, ensuring a warm and inviting atmosphere
• Engage with members and guests, answering questions about menu items, specials, and ingredients
• Upsell Ikigai menu items while providing detailed information about the ingredients and health benefits; inform members and guests of specials or new items, fostering excitement and interest in trying them
• Prepare and serve high-quality, timely meals from the menu including paying attention to dietary preferences and presentation
• Work alongside the Roasted Truth and Community Team to ensure good working relationships between kitchen, barista and front of house team within a fast-paced and dynamic coworking space environment
• Practice unreasonable hospitality by consistently delivering an extraordinary and positive member experience with friendliness and passion; support the whole F&B team to deliver unreasonable hospitality

Management of Kitchen Operations

• Operate, clean, and troubleshoot kitchen equipment, ensuring everything is in optimal working condition
• Consistently demonstrate and oversee the team to demonstrate advanced cooking techniques and food presentation, ensuring meals served are visually appealing and of high quality
• Offer culinary support during Ikigai events and conferences, handling orders and providing exceptional service
• Assist with design and advice on kitchen remodeling and new projects where necessary
• Adhere to Food Safety Standards and maintain high levels of cleanliness in the kitchen at all times to ensure a 5-star hygiene rating
• Keep accurate records, including food hygiene records according to regulatory guidance, cleaning schedules, and providing performance reports as required by the management team

Finance and Procurement

• Develop supplier networks to ensure a good reputation for using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients
• Implement all inventory and procurement management processes, including:
  • Ensure all customer orders are keyed into the Revel POS system correctly as orders are received
  • Ensure supplies and equipment are readily available while managing cash flow
  • Receive inventory from suppliers following guidelines and updating stock on Revel accordingly; share delivery notes/invoices with the Operations Associate and Finance Team
  • Effectively manage inventory by monitoring stock expiration dates and following the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) principle to avoid wastage
  • Conduct stock takes twice a month (mid-month and end-month) for both Revel and non-Revel items and provide comments on variances to the Finance Team within 24 hours after the conclusion of the stock take
• Track revenue and key expenses against the budget, providing explanations and remedial recommendations
• Ensure efficient energy use in line with the Space’s sustainable practices
• Prepare for and participate in monthly P&L reviews and forecast meetings Including conducting analysis and drawing out insights for better decision making
• Prepare and present quarterly reports

Team Management

• Directly manage kitchen team including ensuring preparation of high-quality food and delivery of exceptional service
• Plan and coordinate weekly staff rotas including evaluate daily work schedules and distribute key tasks amongst the team
• Identify kitchen team and individual training needs, and work closely with People & Culture to provide training and resources for upskilling
• Supporting and training younger team members in kitchen-based work experience, encouraging them to gain skills and work-based qualifications to improve their employability

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Diploma in Hospitality Management or a related field preferred but not required
• 3+ years’ experience in culinary management, preferably in a hotel or similar commercial kitchen environment
• Experience in menu development and costing
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and kitchen hygiene standards
• Willingness to continue learning about food and beverage preparation, emerging coffee trends and the coffee industry in general
• Holds a valid food handlers’ certificate

Essential Skills And Competencies

• Passion and understanding for Ikigai’s mission and values
• Experience in customer relationship management and dedication to providing great service
• Exceptional listening and verbal communication skills to enable coordination in a fast-paced environment
• Well organized, presentable, and able to work under pressure
• Strong customer-focused verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Demonstrates integrity, dependability, responsibility, accountability, self-awareness, work ethic, empathy, and profesionalism
• Creative problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-moving environment
• Basic proficiency in computer skills and Microsoft applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, email)
• Strong networking skills and ability to easily build rapport with anyone