HEAD CHEF

There are major duties, tasks, and responsibilities head chefs are expected to perform at work; they are given in the job description example below:

 Order supplies and report to the head of the establishment

 Ensure the serving of quality culinary dishes and on schedule

 Ensure that no problem arises during serving; if any, it should be rectified quickly

 Approve all foods before they leave the kitchen

 Develop menu offerings

 Forecast supply needs and estimate costs

 Recruit kitchen staff

 Ensure efficiency of the kitchen and staff.

 Ensure production of quality and consistent food

 Perform accounting functions and scheduling of meals to be served

 Weigh in on patron complaints

 Ensure that the food servicing facility meets all necessary standards and regulations such as sanitary and safety guidelines

 Create recipes and prepare advanced items

 Assign tasks that are less complicated to lower kitchen staff

 Maximize the productivity of the kitchen staff

 Manage the rest of the chefs in the chef’s chain of command

 Ensure proper equipment maintenance and operations

 Oversee special catering events and where necessary offer culinary instruction and demonstrate techniques

 Supervise kitchen personnel and their performance

 Take charge of kitchen staff payroll and initiate possible increase

 Report to the food service director

 Order food from designated suppliers

 Manage stock of food

 Organize duty roster for kitchen staff

There are certain skills and qualities that a head cook must possess in order to be considered for the position by most employers, these include:

 Passion for food

 Previous experience of working in a professional kitchen

 Effective communication skills

 Ability to manage a budget and work with figures

 Ability to work under stressful conditions

 Strong leadership skills

 Ability to make quick decisions

 Ability to ensure high standard of hygiene and cleanliness in the restaurant.