Chef – Asian Cuisine
Location: Clay Cross, Derbyshire
Company: Rikshawaz Asian Bar & Grill
About the Role
We're seeking a skilled and seasoned Chef with in-depth expertise across curry, tandoor, grilling, and broader Asian cuisines. This role requires creativity, consistency, leadership, and a passion for delivering outstanding dishes in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
Key Responsibilities
* Menu Development:Design and develop authentic and innovative dishes spanning curries (e.g., korma, vindaloo, rogan josh), tandoori specialties (e.g., chicken tikka, fish tandoori, naans), grilled meats, and regional Asian fare.
* Kitchen Leadership & Execution:Oversee daily kitchen operations, coordinate with junior chefs & kitchen staff, maintain high standards of plating and presentation, and ensure timely service during peak hours.
* Quality Control & Consistency:Guarantee that every dish served meets our exacting standards of taste, texture, portion size, hygiene, and presentation.
* Inventory Management & Procurement:Manage stock levels, place orders for fresh spices, meats, produce, and handle vendor relationships to source authentic and high-quality ingredients.
* Health, Safety & Hygiene:Enforce rigorous food hygiene standards in line with HACCP and local regulations, manage food storage, waste disposal, and kitchen cleanliness.
* Training & Mentorship:Mentor junior team members through demonstrations, guidance, and constructive feedback. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork.
* Cost & Efficiency Control:Monitor food costs, minimise waste, optimise kitchen workflow, and contribute to profitability through efficient operations.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
* Proven Experience:At least 3–5 years as a lead or senior chef specializing in Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and other Asian cuisines.
* Technical Expertise:Mastery in preparing and balancing curries, controlling tandoor ovens, grilling various meats and vegetables, and using traditional methods (e.g. clay ovens, marinades).
* Leadership:Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills, with the ability to manage kitchen teams seamlessly under pressure.
* Innovative & Creative:Keen on menu innovation while respecting culinary authenticity and local customer preferences.
* Attention to Detail:Rigorous about food consistency, hygiene, plating aesthetics, and operational standards.
* Business Acumen:Understanding of food costing, pricing strategy, budget management, and ingredient sourcing.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £30,000.00-£39,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* Relocation assistance
Work Location: In person