Chef

CJ’s is looking for a skilled and passionate Chef to join their fast-paced and expanding culinary team. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking to grow their career in the food and hospitality industry through one of East Africa’s most dynamic restaurant brands.

Key Job Information

• Position: Chef
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Experience Level: Mid to Senior Level
• Salary Range: Competitive; commensurate with experience

About CJ’s

CJ’s is a premier, fully-fledged restaurant chain renowned for delivering relaxed and memorable dining experiences in East Africa. With over a dozen locations—6 in Nairobi, 2 in Mombasa, 8 in Kampala, and 1 in Entebbe—CJ’s continues to expand its footprint across the region. Known for its extensive menu, generous portions, and customer-first philosophy, CJ’s has earned a loyal customer base and industry recognition for quality and innovation.

As a brand that believes in excellence and attention to detail, CJ’s is committed to creating vibrant, flavor-packed dishes that reflect global culinary influences while maintaining consistency and high standards. The company fosters a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous learning—making it an ideal place for aspiring and seasoned chefs alike to grow their skills.

Job Description

The Chef position at CJ’s plays a central role in kitchen operations, contributing directly to the quality, taste, and presentation of dishes served. Working under high-pressure and fast-paced conditions, the Chef will be responsible for preparing meals, managing kitchen inventory, and supporting innovation in food offerings. This role requires strong leadership, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to culinary excellence and customer satisfaction.

Chefs at CJ’s are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of kitchen procedures and health standards while maintaining the brand’s reputation for consistent flavor and presentation. This position is perfect for individuals who are not only passionate about food but also skilled at managing workflow, maintaining hygiene, and contributing to a collaborative kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and portion ingredients with accuracy according to menu specifications and recipes.
• Oversee the receiving, storage, and rotation of food supplies to ensure freshness and minimize waste.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and personal hygiene, as well as enforce sanitation protocols at all times.
• Ensure consistent food quality, taste, and presentation that align with CJ’s brand expectations.
• Collaborate with wait staff to inform them of daily specials and menu changes.
• Customize meals based on special dietary needs such as low-sodium, dairy-free, or vegetarian requests.
• Contribute new ideas and experiment with ingredients to develop exciting dishes for future menus.
• Uphold all safety and food hygiene regulations, ensuring proper storage and cooking temperatures.
• Monitor kitchen costs and usage to reduce wastage and manage within assigned budgets.
• Assist in planning and rotating menus according to seasonal availability and customer preferences.

Required Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Culinary Arts or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Minimum 2–5 years of proven experience working as a chef in a fine dining or high-volume restaurant environment.
• In-depth knowledge of culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and global cuisines.
• Solid understanding of food safety, HACCP standards, and sanitation protocols.
• Exceptional ability to multitask and work under high-pressure conditions.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with menu planning and budget management.
• Strong plating, garnishing, and presentation techniques.
• Creative flair and openness to experimenting with new ingredients and styles.
• Knowledge of kitchen inventory systems and digital POS tools.
• Ability to lead and train junior kitchen staff.

Benefits and Compensation

CJ’s offers a competitive compensation package and a wide range of employee benefits designed to support personal well-being, professional development, and career progression. Benefits include:

• Competitive salary based on experience and performance.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Staff meals provided during shifts.
• Health and safety insurance cover (where applicable).
• Employee recognition and reward programs.
• Opportunities for internal promotions and leadership roles.
• Supportive and dynamic work culture with a focus on teamwork and innovation.

How to Apply

If you are a culinary professional seeking to build your career with a reputable, growing restaurant brand, CJ’s invites you to apply. Submit your updated CV and a brief cover letter detailing your experience and interest in the role by June 30, 2025.

Applications can be submitted through the official CJ’s careers portal or via recruitment platforms such as Fuzu. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Early applications are encouraged as screening will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Explore chef opportunities at CJ’s—where passion meets flavor, and careers are made.