Head Chef at Nairobi Waldorf School

Position Overview.
This position entails preparing, cooking and serving food in accordance with defined standards and quality regarding Health, safety and hygiene legislation and in line with the school’s Health and Safety policy with the aim of achieving high standards of customer care and good quality at low cost.

Key Responsibilities

Supervisory

• Preparing, cooking and serving food to meet the specifications as defined by the school. Tasks include: meeting the meal requirements of the staff, students, special emergency and function catering.
• Ensure that all service staff have full knowledge of dishes regarding ingredients, cooking method and correct portion sizes.
• Meeting all statutory requirements for The Nairobi Waldorf School Trust and City Council of Nairobi by laws.
• Supervising and assisting with cleaning duties as required including general washing up and clearing away.
• Monitor food quality and ensure that all meals meet necessary health and safety standard.

Administration.​​​​​​​

• Monitoring, organizing and maintaining appropriate stock control levels in all areas including records of monthly stocktaking.
• Ensuring the Schools Health & Safety policy and all relevant Health & Safety legislation is applied effectively to all activities undertaken by members of the Catering Department.
• Work with school administrators to plan menus that meet the needs of students with specific dietary needs such as allergies or religious restrictions.
• Ensure effective use of all resources amongst the catering team enabling the smooth running of the catering operation.
• Establish systems and procedures in all areas to monitor, maintain and improve upon the standards of the product and service.

Performance.

• Following the Head of Kitchen & Cafeteria’s instructions in producing and serving food to meet the school’s nutritional standards.
• Train, supervise and evaluate kitchen staff by ensuring food handling procedures and sanitation guidelines are followed.
• Maintain a clean and organized kitchen following proper cleaning and sanitation procedures to maintain the highest level of hygiene.
• Closely collaborate with school administration to plan and coordinate food service during events and activities when required.
• Advising of any repairs needed to equipment.

Health and Safety​​​​​​​

• Ensure staff are instructed and trained in the correct and safe operation of all kitchen equipment and chemicals.
• Ensure that risk assessments are in place for all relevant hazards and working procedures, and ensure that all staff for which responsible are familiar with safe working practices and understand the importance of complying with them.
• Ensure that all food is stored, handled, prepared, processed, cooked and served in accordance with the highest standards of food hygiene at all times.
• Establish a comprehensive cleaning program to ensure that all catering areas and all equipment and machinery are maintained in a clean, hygienic and safe condition throughout and at the end of each working day, with regular deep cleaning as required.

Staff Management​​​​​​​

• Supervise the team to ensure all staff related issues are being handled appropriately, including induction, training, performance management, grievances and ongoing mentoring for all aspects of fulfilling a catering role.
• Conduct annual appraisals for the team, identifying areas for improvement, setting new targets and formulating training plans to improve skills etc.
• Effectively lead and manage the catering team to establish a good communication, share best practice and ensure the department always delivers the required level of service.

Qualifications and preferred skills.

• Diploma in Hospitality Management. A degree will be an added advantage.
• At least 5 years of working experience in leadership role in a fast-paced organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive information
• Ability to prepare variety cuisines and menus.
• Meticulous.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.