Chef at Rjays Restaurant

Rjays Restaurant (also styled as RJay's or RJ's) is a relatively new casual dining spot in Garki, Abuja, Nigeria. It blends local Nigerian ("bukka") delights with gourmet à la carte and international/continental dishes, offering something for both everyday meals and special occasions.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Chef

Location: Abuja (FCT) 
Employment Type: Full-time

Description

• We are seeking a passionate, skilled, and experienced Restaurant Chef to lead our kitchen team, maintain high food quality standards, and help deliver memorable dining experiences to our guests.
• The ideal candidate will excel in preparing both local Nigerian favorites and international recipes while ensuring efficiency, hygiene, and creativity in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and execute menus that highlight our signature dishes (e.g., Ofada rice & ayamase, peppered turkey, beef stir-fry rice, coconut rice) while introducing creative daily specials and seasonal items.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation to ensure consistency, taste, and visual appeal.
• Supervise, train, and mentor kitchen staff (cooks, prep assistants, etc.) to maintain high performance and teamwork.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards (NAFDAC-compliant practices).
• Manage inventory, control food costs, minimize waste, and coordinate with suppliers for fresh, high-quality ingredients.
• Work closely with the front-of-house team to handle special dietary requests, allergies, and timely service during peak hours.
• Monitor kitchen equipment maintenance and report any issues promptly.
• Maintain accurate records of recipes, production, and stock levels.
• Contribute to cost control, portion sizing, and overall profitability without compromising quality.
• Participate in events, promotions, and special packages (e.g., Valentine’s or group bookings).

Requirements & Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Chef (or Head/Sous Chef) in a reputable restaurant, preferably with exposure to both Nigerian local and continental cuisine.
• Strong expertise in Nigerian dishes (soups, rice varieties, grills, pepper soups, etc.) and continental/international cooking techniques.
• Culinary diploma or certification from a recognized institution is an advantage.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP principles, and kitchen management.
• Ability to work under pressure, multitask, and lead a team in a high-volume environment.
• Creative flair for menu innovation and presentation.
• Good communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• Physically fit and available to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
• Passionate about food, customer satisfaction, and delivering value in a casual yet quality-focused setting.

Salary
N130,000 - N150,000 per month.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV, a brief cover letter, and samples of past work (photos of plated dishes or menu ideas) to: s68627288@gmail.com using "Application for Restaurant Chef – [Your Full Name]" as the subject of the mail.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.