Head Chef - Biryani & South Indian Restaurant

Ponram Biriyani Chennai; Chennai; On-site; INR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ponram Biriyani Chennai is seeking an experienced Kitchen Operations Lead to oversee day-to-day activities across shifts, manage staff rosters, inventory, and indents, and ensure smooth service during peak hours.

You will uphold food quality and safety, standardize recipes, control costs, train the team, and drive menu innovation with seasonal specials while keeping hygiene and compliance at the forefront.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a multi-shift kitchen.
• Proven ability to manage staff rosters and inventory.
• Ability to develop and standardize recipes.
• Strong focus on hygiene, safety and compliance (FSSAI or local equivalents).

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations across shifts.
• Manage staff scheduling, inventory and indents.
• Ensure smooth service during peak hours.
• Maintain consistent taste, quality and presentation.
• Run quality checks on cooking, temperature and hygiene.
• Ensure FSSAI compliance and food safety standards.
• Develop branded menu and standardize recipes.
• Control food cost and reduce wastage.
• Plan budgets and optimise ingredient usage.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Staff training

Menu costing

Menu development

Food quality & safety

Job description

Kitchen Operations

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations across shifts
• Manage staff scheduling, inventory and indents
• Ensure smooth service during peak hours

Food Quality & Safety

• Maintain consistent taste, quality and presentation
• Run quality checks on cooking, temperature and hygiene
• Ensure FSSAI and food safety compliance

Menu & Costing

• Execute and develop the branded menu
• Standardise recipes and portion sizes
• Control food cost and reduce wastage
• Plan budgets and optimise ingredient usage

Team & Training

• Lead and motivate the kitchen team
• Train staff on recipes, techniques and hygiene
• Delegate tasks based on team strengths

Innovation

• Create new dishes and seasonal specials
• Keep up with food trends and bring them to the menu