Head Chef - GMC Karen

About the role

Optiven is hiring an experienced, disciplined and results-oriented Head Chef to oversee daily kitchen operations at GMC Karen. The role reports to the General Manager and covers food quality, timely preparation and service, kitchen staff management, food cost control and stock management. The expected salary is KES 130,000.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations so food is prepared and served to approved recipes, portion sizes, presentation standards and quality requirements.
• Monitor establishment performance, carry out regular floor and kitchen checks and support opening and closing procedures.
• Coordinate with the Front of House team to ensure orders are prepared within service timelines.
• Develop and enforce kitchen SOPs, plan daily production and ensure food is handled safely and stored correctly.
• Monitor food wastage, portion control and stock losses, and supervise kitchen staff, duty rosters and leave arrangements.
• Train staff on recipes, hygiene, safety and SOPs, inspect equipment and investigate food-related customer complaints.
• Prepare daily, weekly and monthly reports on stock, food costs, wastage and kitchen performance.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Culinary Arts, Food Production, Food and Beverage Management, Hospitality Management or a related field.
• 5-6 years of experience in a restaurant, hotel or similar establishment, including at least 3 years as Head Chef, Sous Chef or Kitchen Manager.
• Proven experience in kitchen supervision, menu planning, recipe standardization, portion control and food presentation.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene, storage, labelling and sanitation.
• Experience in stock management, food costing, FIFO, wastage control and inventory reconciliation.
• Experience with inventory management or POS systems; knowledge of the Pilot system is an added advantage.

Required skills

• Strong culinary and food production skills and leadership of kitchen staff.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and balance quality with cost efficiency.
• Good understanding of kitchen equipment operation and maintenance.

Applications are made through the Optiven HR officer; shortlisting is on a rolling basis and only shortlisted candidates are contacted. The application deadline is 5 November 2026.