Head Chef – Lead Kitchen Operations

About the role

MaliBowl, a fast‑growing build‑your‑own bowl concept in Nairobi, is seeking an experienced Head Chef to own the kitchen and maintain a high, consistent standard every day. This hands‑on leadership position requires a disciplined approach to food quality, safety and cost control.

Key responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen operations across all shifts and manage the kitchen team.
• Ensure recipe consistency, exact portioning and accurate yields for every menu item.
• Plan prep and production based on demand and par levels, avoiding last‑minute changes.
• Control food cost, minimise waste through FIFO storage and precise yield tracking.
• Maintain strict food safety and hygiene standards, including temperature monitoring and fryer oil management.
• Drive rollout and testing of new menu items, capturing measurements, yields and nutrition data.
• Train, supervise and correct kitchen staff to meet quality standards.
• Keep the kitchen clean, organised and audit‑ready at all times.
• Collaborate with procurement on stock, ordering and supplier quality.
• Report daily on performance, waste and any quality or staffing issues.

Required profile

• Minimum 3 years experience as a Head Chef or senior Sous Chef ready to step up.
• Proven track record running a consistent, high‑volume kitchen.
• Strong leadership, organisational skills and ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Experience with build‑your‑own or assembly‑style concepts is an advantage.
• Familiarity with East African or Somali cuisine is a plus.

Required skills

• Food safety and hygiene knowledge.
• Portioning, yield calculation and cost control.
• FIFO inventory management.