Senior Chef at Ikigai-how to apply!

Who We Are Looking For

The Ikigai Senior Chef will oversee all culinary operations across all of our spaces and be in charge of providing an exceptional F&B experience for all Ikigai members and guests. If you like to take on multiple hats, find energy in others, collaborate well in a group, and pay attention to detail, you’re the appropriate person. You enjoy generating individualized, excellent food and beverage experiences and do well in a hectic setting! The Ikigai Senior Chef ultimately takes pride in a job well done and in positively benefiting the Ikigai community. He or she appreciates the idea of being a part of something bigger than any one person.

We are looking for someone who will:

• Emulate Ikigai’s core values and strive to achieve our mission
• Create innovative and high-quality menu concepts that align with Ikigai’s brand
• Ensure all culinary operations are profitable and operate efficiently
• Foster a culture of sustainability and green practices within the kitchen
• Continuously expand theirs and their team’s knowledge of food and beverage quality controls, and preparation and presentation methods

Key Responsibilities

Delivery of Excellent F&B Experiences

• Work with the leadership team to develop menus using fresh, high-quality, and healthy ingredients, including meal ideas for special events
• Design, cost, and price menus to achieve budgeted margins
• Welcome all Ikigai members and guests to the F&B space, ensuring a warm and inviting atmosphere
• Engage with members and guests, answering questions about menu items, specials, and ingredients
• Upsell Ikigai menu items while providing detailed information about the ingredients and health benefits; inform members and guests of specials or new items, fostering excitement and interest in trying them
• Prepare and serve high-quality, timely meals from the menu including paying attention to dietary preferences and presentation
• Work alongside the Roasted Truth and Community Team to ensure good working relationships between kitchen, barista and front of house team within a fast-paced and dynamic coworking space environment
• Practice unreasonable hospitality by consistently delivering an extraordinary and positive member experience with friendliness and passion; support the whole F&B team to deliver unreasonable hospitality

Management of Kitchen Operations

• Operate, clean, and troubleshoot kitchen equipment, ensuring everything is in optimal working condition
• Consistently demonstrate and oversee the team to demonstrate advanced cooking techniques and food presentation, ensuring meals served are visually appealing and of high quality
• Offer culinary support during Ikigai events and conferences, handling orders and providing exceptional service
• Assist with design and advice on kitchen remodeling and new projects where necessary
• Adhere to Food Safety Standards and maintain high levels of cleanliness in the kitchen at all times to ensure a 5-star hygiene rating
• Keep accurate records, including food hygiene records according to regulatory guidance, cleaning schedules, and providing performance reports as required by the management team

Finance and Procurement

• Develop supplier networks to ensure a good reputation for using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients
• Implement all inventory and procurement management processes, including:
  • Ensure all customer orders are keyed into the Revel POS system correctly as orders are received
  • Ensure supplies and equipment are readily available while managing cash flow
  • Receive inventory from suppliers following guidelines and updating stock on Revel; accordingly, share delivery notes/invoices with the Operations Associate and Finance Team
  • Effectively manage inventory by monitoring stock expiration dates and following the First-In, First-Out (FIFO) principle to avoid wastage
  • Conduct stock takes twice a month (mid-month and end-month) for both Revel and non-Revel items and provide comments on variances to the Finance Team within 24 hours after the conclusion of the stock take
• Track revenue and key expenses against the budget, providing explanations and remedial recommendations
• Ensure efficient energy use in line with the Space’s sustainable practices
• Prepare for and participate in monthly P&L reviews and forecast meetings Including conducting analysis and drawing out insights for better decision making
• Prepare and present quarterly reports

Team Management

• Directly manage kitchen team including ensuring preparation of high-quality food and delivery of exceptional service
• Plan and coordinate weekly staff rotas including evaluate daily work schedules and distribute key tasks amongst the team
• Identify kitchen team and individual training needs, and work closely with People & Culture to provide training and resources for upskilling
• Supporting and training younger team members in kitchen-based work experience, encouraging them to gain skills and work-based qualifications to improve their employability

Education and Experience

• Diploma in Hospitality Management or a related field preferred but not required
• 3+ years’ experience in culinary management, preferably in a hotel or similar commercial kitchen environment
• Experience in menu development and costing
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and kitchen hygiene standards
• Willingness to continue learning about food and beverage preparation, emerging coffee trends and the coffee industry in general
• Holds a valid food handlers’ certificate

Essential Skills and Competencies

• Passion and understanding for Ikigai’s mission and values
• Experience in customer relationship management and dedication to providing great service
• Exceptional listening and verbal communication skills to enable coordination in a fast-paced environment
• Well organized, presentable, and able to work under pressure
• Strong customer-focused verbal and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and multitasking skills
• Demonstrates integrity, dependability, responsibility, accountability, self-awareness, work ethic, empathy, and professionalism
• Creative problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work in a dynamic, fast-moving environment
• Basic proficiency in computer skills and Microsoft applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, email)
• Strong networking skills and ability to easily build rapport with anyone