Head Chef

About the role

Lead the café's culinary direction and maintain consistent food quality, taste, portioning and presentation. You will develop and improve the food and beverage menu, including Malaysian favourites, Western dishes, pasta, fusion cuisine and seasonal specials, while remaining hands-on in the kitchen, especially during the opening period and peak service hours.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the café's culinary direction and maintain consistent food quality, taste, portioning and presentation
• Develop and improve the food and beverage menu, including Malaysian favourites, Western dishes, pasta, fusion cuisine and seasonal specials
• Conduct recipe testing and establish standard recipes, preparation methods, plating guidelines and kitchen SOPs
• Source and evaluate reliable suppliers for food, beverages and other café ingredients, ensuring good quality and competitive pricing
• Prepare ingredients and ensure all mise en place is properly organised and ready for daily operations
• Manage recipe costing, selling prices, inventory, food costs, wastage and kitchen profitability
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, ordering, storage, cleanliness, equipment and food-safety compliance
• Recruit, train and supervise the kitchen team while maintaining strong discipline and service standards
• Coordinate with the barista, service and management teams on menu development, promotions and café operations

About you

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or similar kitchen leadership role
• Able to prepare Malaysian, Western, pasta and modern fusion dishes
• Experienced in menu development, recipe costing, supplier sourcing and kitchen operations
• Knowledge of beverage-menu development is an advantage
• Strong leadership, cost-control and food-safety knowledge
• Creative, resourceful and willing to be actively involved in a new café's daily operations