Are you an agile adult looking to step into a managerial role in a food organisation? Are you passionate and experienced in cooking, particularly African-Nigerian dishes? Are you ambitious? Can you move quick and effectively under pressure and in a fast paced setting? Can you lead and train a team? Have you got experience in event catering and cooking meals in large quantities? Are you searching for a job that combines your ambition with rewards and recognition? Then YOU DINER has got an exciting job opportunity for you.
We are seeking an experienced and skilled Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. The ideal candidate will possess strong culinary expertise in African and Nigerian meals, with a proven track record in large-scale meal preparation, including event catering. You will be responsible for managing kitchen staff, ensuring efficient operations, and maintaining the highest standards of food quality.
YOU DINER is a thriving African-Nigerian cuisine restaurant based in Coventry. We've started from testing an idea in a small shop in Coventry Market in 2022, to building a full blown 40 people sitting restaurant on the main high street of Foleshill Road. This confirms 1 thing, "Success lives here". We're now on the verge of expanding into a 2nd location and we are in search of young and ambitious teenagers to join the team in taking us to the next level.
The ideal candidate will have to demonstrate all of these qualities below:
* Proven experience in African cuisine, especially Nigerian dishes.
* Strong managerial skills with experience leading a kitchen team.
* Ability to work independently and handle high-volume catering.
* Full legal right to work in the UK (sponsorship not provided).
* Excellent communication, punctuality, and reliability.
* Ability to work full-time hours, including evenings and 1 weekend shift.
* Ability to take instructions from top management and communicate this clearly to the rest of the team.
* Clear leadership and training skills
* Physical, emotional and mental capacity to work under pressure in a fast paced setting
* Ability to transition between customer facing tasks and kitchen assistance
* Be between the ages of 25-40 years old
* Keen attention to details
* Has an emphasis on cleanliness, organisation and record keeping
Job Responsibilities
* Prepare authentic Nigerian and African dishes with passion and precision.
* Manage and oversee kitchen operations, including supervising and training kitchen assistants.
* Plan and execute large-scale meal preparations for events and catering.
* Ensure food safety and hygiene standards are strictly followed.
* Work independently, prioritize tasks effectively, and manage kitchen schedules.
* Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment.
* Communicate clearly with team members and management.
* Guarantee punctuality, reliability, and excellent customer service.
* Recommend new products or recipe update where applicable
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent, Temp to perm, Zero hours contract, Volunteer
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: £12.00-£14.00 per hour
Benefits:
* Casual dress
* Company events
* Discounted or free food
* Employee discount
* Employee mentoring programme
* Flexitime
* On-site parking
* Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Coventry CV6 5AQ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:
* Kitchen operation: 1 year (preferred)
* Hospitality: 1 year (preferred)
* Customer service: 1 year (preferred)
Language:
* English (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Reference ID: YD-105
Expected start date: 22/09/2025