Head Chef

IKAN LODGING SDN. BHD.; Bukit Tinggi; On-site; MYR 67,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

IKAN LODGING SDN. BHD. is seeking a Head Chef to lead the café's culinary direction and ensure consistent quality. You will stay hands-on during opening and peak hours, shaping the menu with Malaysian, Western, pasta and fusion dishes while driving kitchen standards.

You will test recipes, set standard methods and plating guidelines, source quality suppliers, manage costs, and coordinate with barista and service teams to deliver outstanding café experiences.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Head Chef, Sous Chef or similar kitchen leadership role.
• Able to prepare Malaysian, Western, pasta and modern fusion dishes.
• Experience in menu development, recipe costing, supplier sourcing and kitchen operations.
• Knowledge of beverage-menu development is an advantage.
• Strong leadership, cost-control and food-safety knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead the café's culinary direction and maintain consistent food quality, taste, portioning and presentation.
• Develop and improve the food and beverage menu, including Malaysian favourites, Western dishes, pasta, fusion cuisine and seasonal specials.
• Conduct recipe testing and establish standard recipes, preparation methods, plating guidelines and kitchen SOPs.
• Source and evaluate reliable suppliers for food, beverages and other café ingredients, ensuring good quality and competitive pricing.
• Prepare ingredients and ensure all mise en place is properly organised and ready for daily operations.
• Manage recipe costing, selling prices, inventory, food costs, wastage and kitchen profitability.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, ordering, storage, cleanliness, equipment and food-safety compliance.
• Recruit, train and supervise the kitchen team while maintaining strong discipline and service standards.
• Coordinate with the barista, service and management teams on menu development, promotions and café operations.

Skills

Leadership

Cost control

Menu development

Recipe costing

Kitchen operations

Staff training

Job description

Lead the café's culinary direction and maintain consistent food quality, taste, portioning and presentation. You will develop and improve the food and beverage menu, including Malaysian favourites, Western dishes, pasta, fusion cuisine and seasonal specials, while remaining hands- on in the kitchen, especially during the opening period and peak service hours.

Key responsibilities

Lead the café's culinary direction and maintain consistent food quality, taste, portioning and presentation

Develop and improve the food and beverage menu, including Malaysian favourites, Western dishes, pasta, fusion cuisine and seasonal specials

Conduct recipe testing and establish standard recipes, preparation methods, plating guidelines and kitchen SOPs

Source and evaluate reliable suppliers for food, beverages and other café ingredients, ensuring good quality and competitive pricing

Prepare ingredients and ensure all mise en place is properly organised and ready for daily operations

Manage recipe costing, selling prices, inventory, food costs, wastage and kitchen profitability

Oversee daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, ordering, storage, cleanliness, equipment and food-safety compliance

Recruit, train and supervise the kitchen team while maintaining strong discipline and service standards

Coordinate with the barista, service and management teams on menu development, promotions and café operations

About you

Proven experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef or similar kitchen leadership role

Able to prepare Malaysian, Western, pasta and modern fusion dishes

Experienced in menu development, recipe costing, supplier sourcing and kitchen operations

Knowledge of beverage-menu development is an advantage

Strong leadership, cost-control and food-safety knowledge

Creative, resourceful and willing to be actively involved in a new café's daily operations