Head Chef

Structurepreneur is recruiting on behalf of our client, Poynter House, a boutique hotel and restaurant in Adeniyi-Jones, Ikeja, Lagos.

Our client is seeking an experienced and capable Head Chef to lead its kitchen operations, maintain high culinary standards and deliver consistently excellent dining experiences for hotel guests, restaurant customers and other food service orders.

The ideal candidate should have strong knowledge of Nigerian cuisine, alongside practical experience preparing English and continental breakfasts. They should also possess the leadership and organisational skills required to manage a professional kitchen team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise daily kitchen operations across breakfast, lunch, dinner, room service and takeaway services.
• Maintain consistent standards in food quality, taste, portion sizes, presentation and service delivery.
• Plan and develop menus featuring Nigerian cuisine, English breakfasts and continental breakfast selections.
• Demonstrate strong practical knowledge of Nigerian soups, stews, rice dishes, proteins and accompaniments.
• Develop standard recipes, food-cost estimates and portion controls while minimising waste.
• Recruit, train, supervise and manage kitchen staff, ensuring effective teamwork and operational efficiency.
• Oversee procurement, inventory management, supplier quality checks and proper food storage.
• Enforce food safety, hygiene, allergen awareness and kitchen cleanliness standards.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is properly maintained and operational checks are carried out.
• Collaborate with management and front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service delivery and positive guest experiences.

Skills and Experience

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or Senior Kitchen Lead in a hotel, restaurant or similar hospitality establishment.
• Strong practical knowledge of Nigerian cuisine.
• Ability to prepare and supervise English and continental breakfast menus.
• Demonstrable experience in kitchen leadership, menu planning, food costing and inventory management.
• Good understanding of food hygiene, safety procedures, food storage and allergen management.
• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to remain composed and effective in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Relevant culinary qualifications or food safety training will be an added advantage. Practical competence is essential.

What Success Looks Like

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain:

• Consistent food quality, presentation and portion control.
• A clean, organised and well-managed kitchen.
• Effective food-cost management and minimal avoidable waste.
• Timely food preparation and dependable service delivery.
• A productive, disciplined and collaborative kitchen team.

Working Conditions

This is a full-time position requiring shift flexibility, including weekends and other periods of operational demand.

• Accommodation is available for the successful candidate.

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