Executive Chef

Connect Coffee Roasters, a distinguished name in Kenya's specialty coffee and hospitality scene, is seeking an accomplished and passionate Executive Chef to lead its culinary operations in Nairobi. This is a rare opportunity to shape a dynamic kitchen environment within a brand that prides itself on quality, creativity, and an exceptional guest experience rooted in East African culture and flavour.

As the Executive Chef, you will serve as the creative and operational backbone of the kitchen, driving menu innovation, maintaining the highest culinary standards, and inspiring a team of kitchen professionals to deliver excellence with every plate. You will work closely with management to align food offerings with the brand's identity while ensuring commercial viability and strict compliance with food safety regulations.

• Oversee all day-to-day kitchen operations, ensuring smooth, efficient, and high-quality food production across all service periods.
• Conceptualise, develop, and continuously refine menus, recipes, and food presentation standards that reflect the brand's identity and delight customers.
• Recruit, supervise, train, mentor, and formally evaluate kitchen staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
• Monitor and manage food costs, portion control, inventory levels, and procurement activities to meet budgetary targets without compromising quality.
• Ensure full compliance with Kenya's food safety, hygiene, and public health regulations, maintaining all relevant certifications and documentation.
• Maintain consistently high culinary standards and proactively respond to customer feedback to enhance overall satisfaction.
• Coordinate with front-of-house management to ensure seamless service delivery and a unified guest experience.
• Introduce seasonal specials and food innovation initiatives aligned with market trends and customer preferences.
• Maintain kitchen equipment, oversee preventive maintenance schedules, and ensure a safe working environment for all kitchen staff.

• Must demonstrate a minimum of 5 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 2 years in a senior or head chef capacity within a hotel, restaurant, or specialty café environment.
• Must be able to design balanced, commercially viable menus that balance creativity with cost-effectiveness and nutritional awareness.
• Must be capable of leading, motivating, and developing a multi-person kitchen brigade under high-pressure service conditions.
• Must be able to apply food costing principles, manage supplier relationships, and reduce wastage without sacrificing quality standards.
• Must hold or be able to demonstrate knowledge of food safety standards equivalent to a recognised food hygiene certification (e.g., KEBS/Kenya Public Health standards).
• Must possess strong organisational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously during peak service hours.
• Must be able to communicate clearly with both kitchen and front-of-house teams to maintain service harmony and quality consistency.
• Specialty coffee pairing knowledge or experience in a café-forward culinary environment will be a significant advantage.

The salary for this position is open and will be negotiated based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and demonstrated expertise. Based on current Kenyan market benchmarks for senior culinary leadership roles in Nairobi's hospitality sector, competitive candidates can expect remuneration in the range of KES 150,000 – KES 300,000 per month. Connect Coffee Roasters is committed to rewarding talent appropriately and offering a package that reflects the seniority of this role.

This role is ideal for a seasoned culinary professional who thrives in a creative yet structured kitchen environment. You are a natural leader who takes personal pride in the quality of every dish that leaves your kitchen. You are commercially aware, organised, and passionate about the intersection of specialty coffee culture and exceptional food. Candidates with experience in specialty café concepts, farm-to-table dining, or East African cuisine will find this role particularly exciting.

Please do not apply if you have fewer than 5 years of culinary experience, have not previously held a team leadership role in a kitchen setting, or are not prepared to take full ownership of kitchen operations and standards. This is not an entry-level or junior position.

• Prepare an updated CV highlighting your culinary experience, key achievements, and any notable menus or concepts you have led.
• Write a concise cover letter (no more than one page) explaining why you are the right fit for Connect Coffee Roasters and what unique value you bring to the role.
• Submit your application through the Connect Coffee Roasters official recruitment channel or the job platform where this listing is published.
• Applications must be received on or before 6th July 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process.