Report to: Manager

Company Overview: Zuka Country Outdoors is a premier country outdoor garden and restaurant destination located in a serene countryside environment 5 kms from Gayaza town. We offer a unique dining and events experience, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens, a charming restaurant, and versatile event spaces for weddings, corporate functions, and private celebrations.

Job Purpose: To create memorable dining experience by preparing fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced dishes that align with the rustic and natural charm of an outdoor garden and restaurant setting. This role combines culinary expertise, creativity, and an appreciation for local, fresh ingredients to deliver an exceptional dining experience.

You will maintain high standards of culinary quality and presentation, manage food costs effectively, and promote a welcoming, rustic ambiance that enhances the guest connection to nature and a great countryside experience.

Responsibilities:

Menu Development: Design and curate seasonal menus that emphasize fresh and local ingredients aligned with the garden’s rustic, outdoor aesthetic. Where necessary innovate and develop recipes that showcase unique flavors that create a great and authentic nature-inspired dining experience at Zuka Country Outdoors. The chef should incorporate variety of dishes that cater for different dietary preferences and trends including vegetarian, vegan, andgluten-free options.

Food Preparation and Cooking: Oversee and participate in the preparation and cooking of all dishes to ensure high-quality standards in taste, texture, and presentation. He/She should ensure that specific recipe and cooking methods are followed to ensure consistency in quality and flavor of ZCO dishes. This includes grilling, roasting, steaming, and other techniques suited to highlight natural flavors, often in a rustic, garden-to-table style.

Kitchen Operations and Safety: Ensure food safety standards are met through rigorous sanitation, avoiding cross-contamination, and adhering to proper cooking and storage temperatures. The chef should also train and supervise all kitchen staff in ensuring the required level of safety and cleaning is achieved at all times.

Inventory Management: Maintain an organized system to easily track and replenish ingredients, supplies, and equipment in a timely manner. The Chef should work closely with the Hospitality and Event team to ensure orders for special events are placed in a timely manner and according to clients’ needs. Once delivered, the Chef should conduct a thorough inspection of itemsdelivered for quality and freshness before storage. The first-in, first-out (FIFO) system should be used to reduce on spoilage and waste of perishable goods.The Chef should maintain an organized and well-stocked kitchen, keeping ingredients, equipment, and tools in optimal condition

Guest Experience & Collaboration: Collaborate with the Hospitality and Events team to design menus for special events, such as weddings, private parties, and corporate gatherings. In addition, the Chef shall work with the sales and marketing team to develop seasonal specials and promote signature dishes that reflect the ZCO ambiance. Once in a while, he/she should interact with guests in an appropriate manner to receive feedback, present dishes, and create a memorable dining experience

Qualifications:

• Professional Culinary training and extensive kitchen experience with a focus on fresh, seasonal, or farm-to-table cuisine preferably in an outdoor dining setting or fine-dining casual establishment.
• Proven expertise in creating innovative, seasonally inspired menus and executing complex, made-from-scratch dishes
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and inventory management
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to train, supervise, and motivate kitchen staff
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed

Salary and Benefits: Depending on the experience, determination to grow the company profitability, and availability of resources, the Chef shall be paid a competitive gross packagealongside other benefit.