Head Chef

Hammett's Mestizo is seeking an experienced, creative, and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations and drive the culinary vision of our restaurant. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of the kitchen, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and operational excellence while inspiring and developing a high-performing team.

Hammett's Mestizo offers a vibrant social dining and drinking experience inspired by the diverse culinary traditions of Latin America, with influences spanning Central America, the Caribbean, the Andes, the Amazon, and Patagonia. Our menu is built around a sharing-plates concept, celebrating bold flavours, native ingredients, and the communal spirit that lies at the heart of Latin American dining.

As Head Chef, you will play a key role in shaping our culinary offering, leading menu development, maintaining the highest standards of quality and food safety, and fostering a culture of teamwork, creativity, and excellence.

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented chef who is passionate about flavour-driven cuisine, social dining, and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

• Menu Development: Design creative and seasonally inspired menus that reflect our brand and appeal to diverse customer tastes.
• Kitchen Management: Oversee kitchen operations, including food preparation, inventory management, and cost control.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure all dishes are prepared to the highest standards, adhering to health and safety regulations.
• Budget Management: Monitor food costs, labor expenses, and operational budgets to maximize profitability.
• Supplier Relations: Build and maintain relationships with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients at competitive prices.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in a high-volume restaurant or hospitality setting.
• Strong culinary skills with expertise in various cooking techniques and cuisines.
• Skilled in leveraging Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and attendance tracking systems to support productivity and operational efficiency.
• Exceptional leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Understanding of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen health regulations.
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a focus on delivering exceptional customer service.