We're looking for an experienced, passionate and responsible Head Chef to lead our kitchen team at The Hillpark Cafe.
This is not just a cooking position. We are looking for someone who can take full ownership of our kitchen operations, lead a team, maintain food quality, manage kitchen costs and develop new food ideas.
You'll be the person in charge of the kitchen — ensuring everything runs smoothly, consistently and efficiently.
1. JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Kitchen Leadership & Management
- Take full responsibility for the day-to-day kitchen operations.
- Lead, supervise and manage the kitchen team.
- Delegate daily tasks and ensure every kitchen staff member understands their responsibilities.
- Organise kitchen workflow, preparation schedules and staff duties.
- Monitor staff performance, discipline and productivity.
- Train new kitchen staff and develop the skills of existing team members.
- Ensure the kitchen operates efficiently, especially during peak hours.
- Report kitchen issues, operational needs and improvements directly to the owner.
B. Food Preparation & Quality Control
- Prepare and oversee all hot food items on the cafe menu.
- Ensure food is consistently prepared according to recipes, portion sizes and presentation standards.
- Maintain consistency in taste, quality and serving portions.
- Ensure all food orders are prepared accurately and served within reasonable waiting times.
- Monitor food quality before dishes leave the kitchen.
- Take responsibility for food preparation, cooking techniques and plating standards.
C. Menu Development & R&D
- Research, experiment and develop new menu items.
- Create new food concepts that suit our cafe's target customers.
- Improve existing recipes, taste, presentation and consistency.
- Conduct food testing and propose new dishes, seasonal specials and promotions.
- Calculate ingredient costs and food cost percentages for new menu items.
- Recommend suitable ingredients and suppliers.
- Work with the owner to develop and improve the cafe's menu.
D. Inventory, Purchasing & Cost Control
- Monitor daily kitchen stock and ingredient availability.
- Prepare purchasing lists and communicate stock requirements.
- Monitor food usage, wastage and portion control.
- Ensure ingredients are stored correctly and used according to FIFO principles.
- Monitor food costs and minimise unnecessary wastage.
- Ensure sufficient preparation and ingredients are available before service.
- Keep track of stock levels and report low-stock items before they run out.
E. Kitchen Hygiene & Food Safety
- Maintain cleanliness and organisation throughout the kitchen.
- Ensure proper food handling, storage and temperature control.
- Ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene requirements.
- Monitor kitchen equipment and report maintenance issues.
- Ensure cleaning schedules are followed by all kitchen staff.
- Maintain a safe, organised and professional working environment.
F. Staff Meals & Kitchen Welfare
- Plan and prepare daily staff meals.
- Manage staff meal ingredients and portions within the allocated budget.
- Ensure staff meals are prepared efficiently without affecting customer orders.
- Maintain proper kitchen discipline and teamwork.
G. SOP & Kitchen Improvement
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) for kitchen operations.
- Standardise recipes, preparation methods and plating.
- Improve kitchen workflow to reduce preparation and waiting times.
- Identify operational problems and recommend practical solutions.
- Ensure the kitchen can operate smoothly even without constant supervision from the owner.
2. REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS
We are looking for someone who:
- Has at least 2 years of relevant professional kitchen experience.
- Has experience leading and managing a kitchen team.
- Is confident in preparing hot food, pasta, rice dishes, chicken, and other cafe-style meals.
- Has good knowledge of food preparation, cooking techniques and kitchen management.
- Understands food costing, portion control and inventory management.
- Has experience developing recipes and introducing new menu items.
- Is organised, disciplined, responsible and able to work independently.
- Can work under pressure, especially during busy service periods.
- Has good leadership and communication skills.
- Takes pride in food quality, cleanliness and consistency.
- Is willing to learn, improve and grow with the business.
Advantage: Experience in cafe operations, Western food, local fusion cuisine, menu R&D and kitchen cost management.
3. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary: RM2,500 – RM3,500/month
- Salary offered according to experience, skills and capabilities.
- Overtime paid at 1.5x the applicable hourly rate.
- EPF contribution.
- SOCSO contribution.
- Additional allowances.
- Performance-based bonuses.
- Opportunities for career growth and increased responsibilities.
- Staff meals provided.
We believe in rewarding people who take responsibility, perform well and contribute to the growth of the business.
4. WORKING ARRANGEMENT
- Position: Full-time
- Working days: 6 days per week.
- Rest day: 1 day per week.
- Working hours: According to the cafe's operational schedule and assigned shift.
- Location: The Hillpark Cafe, Puncak Alam, Selangor.
- Reports directly to: Cafe Owner / Management.
5. WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Our ideal candidate is someone who:
- Doesn't wait to be told what to do.
- Takes ownership of the kitchen.
- Knows how to manage people, not just cook.
- Can identify problems and solve them independently.
- Cares about food quality and customer satisfaction.
- Is able to manage food costs without compromising quality.
- Has initiative to introduce new ideas and improve the business.
- Can build a kitchen team that works together.
We want someone who treats the kitchen as their own responsibility.
If you are an experienced chef who is ready to lead a kitchen, develop a menu and grow with a cafe business, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: RM2,300.00 - RM3,300.00 per month
Benefits:
- Meal provided
- Opportunities for promotion
Education:
Experience:
Work Location: In person