Head Chef and Kitchen Manager

Head Chef – Spark Sense & Play

Role Purpose

The Head Chef is responsible for leading all kitchen operations at Spark Café, with a strong focus on healthy, nutritious, and child-friendly food. The role combines hands-on cooking, menu development, and team leadership, ensuring high standards of quality, hygiene, and consistency.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Leadership & Operations

• Lead and supervise all kitchen staff, ensuring smooth daily operations
• Plan kitchen schedules, task allocation, and workflow efficiency
• Train the kitchen team on healthy cooking methods and child-focused food preparation
• Ensure consistency in taste, portion size, and presentation

Healthy Menu Development

• Design and continuously improve healthy menus for children and families
• Create nutritious recipes including:
• Fresh salads and bowls
• Air-fried meals and snacks
• Healthy pizza options (whole wheat, low-fat cheese, vegetable toppings)
• Healthy cookies and baked goods (reduced sugar, natural ingredients)
• Ensure meals are appealing to children while meeting nutritional balance
• Adapt recipes for allergies, dietary needs, and age appropriateness

Food Quality & Safety

• Ensure full compliance with MOPH food safety and hygiene regulations
• Maintain cleanliness, food storage standards, and proper labeling
• Monitor food quality, freshness, and expiry dates
• Conduct regular kitchen checks and corrective actions

Inventory & Cost Control

• Manage food ordering, stock levels, and supplier coordination
• Minimize waste through smart planning and portion control
• Monitor food costs and maintain agreed food cost percentages
• Coordinate with management on pricing and menu profitability

Collaboration & Brand Alignment

• Work closely with Spark management to align menus with Spark’s family-focused and educational values
• Support workshops, events, and birthday parties with healthy catering options
• Contribute ideas for seasonal menus and special promotions

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef, preferably in cafés, family restaurants, or healthy food concepts
• Strong experience in healthy cooking, especially for children
• Knowledge of:
• Air-frying techniques
• Healthy baking (cookies, doughs, reduced sugar recipes)
• Child-friendly pizza preparation
• Excellent leadership and team-management skills
• Strong understanding of food safety standards and kitchen operations

Key Skills & Personal Attributes

• Passion for healthy living and children’s nutrition
• Creative, detail-oriented, and organized
• Calm under pressure with strong problem-solving skills
• High standards of hygiene, discipline, and professionalism
• Positive attitude and team-player mindset

Why Join Spark?

• Work in a family-oriented, values-driven environment
• Opportunity to shape a healthy café concept for children
• Creative freedom to develop nutritious, fun, and meaningful food experiences

Job Type: Full-time