Hot Kitchen Chef / Pastry Chef

We are seeking an experienced Hot Kitchen Chef / Pastry Chef to join Jackfruit Cafe's kitchen team in Moshi, Kilimanjaro.

The successful candidate will take an active role in hot kitchen operations, preparing and cooking dishes during service while maintaining high standards of food quality, consistency, hygiene, and presentation.

The role requires strong experience with pizza, burgers, main dishes, and pasta, as well as the leadership ability to guide junior kitchen staff and manage a kitchen shift when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Work on the hot line during restaurant service.
• Take responsibility for assigned kitchen sections, including preparation and closing duties.
• Prepare pizza, burgers, pasta, main dishes, and other menu items to required standards.
• Maintain consistency in recipes, portion sizes, food quality, and presentation.
• Guide and support junior chefs and kitchen assistants.
• Take responsibility for running the kitchen during a shift when the Head Chef is unavailable.
• Follow food safety, hygiene, storage, and kitchen-cleaning procedures.
• Maintain required temperature and cleaning records.
• Assist with stock counts and preparation of order requests.
• Help control food waste and ensure efficient use of ingredients.
• Contribute ideas for daily specials and new menu items.
• Coordinate with the front-of-house team to maintain smooth service and appropriate ticket times.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of professional kitchen experience.
• Strong practical experience in hot kitchen operations.
• Experience working in high-end or fine-dining restaurants.
• Proficiency in preparing pizza, burgers, pasta, and main dishes.
• Ability to independently manage a kitchen shift when required.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide junior kitchen staff.
• Solid understanding of food hygiene, storage, and kitchen safety procedures.
• Intermediate level of English.
• Willingness to work late shifts, weekends, and public holidays.
• Experience using a wood-fired pizza oven is preferred.
• Formal culinary training or professional certification is preferred.