Head Chef

AHEAD CHEF – BULK FOOD PREPARATION / FOOD PROCESSINGPosition: Head Chef

Department: Kitchen / Production

Industry: Food Processing / Frozen Food / Bulk Food Production

Experience: Minimum 5–8 years of relevant experience

Education: 3-Year Diploma in Hotel Management / IHM or equivalent qualification

Location: [Location to be specified]

Job OverviewWe are looking for an experienced and skilled Head Chef to lead kitchen operations for bulk food preparation and production. The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in Indian cuisine, particularly Curry and Tandoor, along with hands-on experience in large-scale food production.

Candidates with prior experience in a food processing company, frozen food manufacturing unit, central kitchen, QSR production kitchen, catering unit, or bulk food preparation facility will be highly preferred.

• Key ResponsibilitiesLead and manage the complete kitchen and food production operations.
• Plan and execute bulk preparation and large-scale food production while maintaining consistency in taste and quality.
• Have strong hands-on knowledge of Indian Curry and Tandoor preparations.
• Develop and standardize recipes, preparation methods, portion sizes and cooking procedures.
• Supervise the preparation of gravies, curries, marinades, sauces, tandoor items and other Indian food products.
• Ensure consistency in taste, texture, colour, portioning and presentation across every batch.
• Manage production according to daily and weekly requirements.
• Plan raw-material requirements and coordinate with the purchase/stores team.
• Monitor food costs, wastage, yield and production efficiency.
• Maintain proper hygiene, sanitation and food-safety standards throughout the production process.
• Ensure correct storage, handling, cooling, packing and preservation of prepared food.
• Work closely with the quality-control team to maintain product specifications and standards.
• Assist in recipe trials, product development and standardisation for frozen or processed food products.
• Conduct trials for new products and improve existing recipes based on production requirements and customer feedback.
• Train, supervise and manage kitchen staff and production teams.
• Allocate duties and ensure smooth workflow during production.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and ensure safe and efficient usage.
• Ensure compliance with company SOPs, food-safety regulations and operational standards.
• Maintain proper production records, recipes, batch sheets and inventory requirements.
• Identify opportunities to reduce wastage and improve productivity without compromising food quality.

Candidate ProfileThe ideal candidate should have:

• 3-Year IHM / Hotel Management Diploma or equivalent qualification.
• Minimum 5–8 years of relevant professional kitchen experience.
• Strong experience in bulk food preparation / large-scale production.
• Excellent knowledge of Indian Curry and Tandoor – both are mandatory.
• Experience in a food processing company, frozen food company, central kitchen, QSR production facility or industrial kitchen will be an added advantage.
• Good understanding of recipe standardisation and batch production.
• Knowledge of food costing, yield management and portion control.
• Ability to maintain consistency in taste and quality when producing food in large quantities.
• Strong team-management and leadership skills.
• Good understanding of food hygiene, safety and quality-control procedures.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage production deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and organisational skills.
• A hands-on approach to kitchen and production operations.

Preferred ExperiencePreference will be given to candidates who have worked in:

• Frozen Food / Food Processing Companies
• Central Kitchens
• Industrial Food Production
• QSR Production Kitchens
• Large Catering Operations
• Ready-to-Eat / Ready-to-Cook Food Manufacturing
• Bulk Food Preparation Units

Key SkillsIndian Cuisine | Curry | Tandoor | Bulk Production | Frozen Food | Food Processing | Recipe Standardisation | Product Development | Food Costing | Quality Control | Team Management | Food Safety | Production Planning

Salary & BenefitsSalary: As per experience and suitability of the candidate.

Other benefits: To be discussed based on the candidate's profile and company policy.

Candidates with strong experience in bulk production and frozen/processed food manufacturing will be given preference.