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ESSENTIAL JOB DETAILS
Position Titles: Executive Chef, Sous Chef
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Employment Type: Full-Time
Number of Vacancies: Two (1 Executive Chef, 1 Sous Chef)
Industry: Hospitality, Hotel Management, Culinary Arts
Minimum Experience Required: 2–5 years
Education Level: Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts or Hospitality Management
Application Deadline: 30th May 2025
INTRODUCTION
Are you passionate about culinary innovation and delivering world-class dining experiences? Sarova Hotels, one of Kenya’s most iconic hospitality brands, is looking for dynamic, skilled, and passionate culinary professionals to join its Nairobi-based team. These two exciting vacancies—Executive Chef and Sous Chef—offer a rare opportunity to work at the heart of luxury hospitality, overseeing high-end kitchen operations and influencing the culinary direction of a celebrated hotel.
Whether you are an experienced Executive Chef ready to elevate an already-renowned kitchen or an ambitious Sous Chef eager to develop under esteemed leadership, Sarova offers an excellent platform to craft unforgettable dining experiences, innovate with global food trends, and lead exceptional culinary teams.
ABOUT SAROVA HOTELS
Sarova Hotels is a premium hospitality group in Kenya, known for its impeccable service, luxurious accommodations, and unforgettable dining experiences. With properties spread across Kenya’s prime destinations—from Nairobi to the Coast and into the heart of the wild—Sarova blends authentic African charm with contemporary elegance.
For decades, Sarova has championed guest delight, culinary creativity, and excellence in service delivery. The kitchens at Sarova are more than just places where food is prepared—they are the heart of the hotel experience, where chefs use creativity, skill, and passion to transform ingredients into memories.
Sarova’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and world-class guest satisfaction makes it an ideal home for professionals who take pride in high standards and who thrive in fast-paced, detail-oriented environments.
POSITION 1: EXECUTIVE CHEF – NAIROBI
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
As the Executive Chef, you will serve as the strategic and operational head of the kitchen department. Your role will involve:
- Creating and implementing culinary concepts aligned with market trends and brand vision
- Leading and mentoring a team of chefs, sous chefs, cooks, and kitchen assistants
- Driving culinary excellence across all outlets—buffets, à la carte, room service, banquets, and special events
- Engineering menus that are innovative, cost-effective, and culturally diverse
- Managing food costs, waste control, inventory, and procurement in line with profitability goals
- Collaborating with management on seasonal promotions, themed events, and guest engagement initiatives
- Ensuring compliance with hygiene, sanitation, and occupational safety standards
- Conducting staff training on plating techniques, quality control, and culinary consistency
- Maintaining brand reputation by ensuring every plate represents Sarova’s quality standards
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
To be successful in this role, applicants must possess the following:
- Minimum Diploma in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or a related field
- At least 5 years’ experience as an Executive Chef in a 4 or 5-star hotel/resort or upscale restaurant
- Proven mastery of international and African cuisines, baking, buffet design, and fine dining presentation
- Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to inspire and mentor diverse teams
- Exceptional financial acumen with experience in budgeting, food costing, and profit control
- Knowledge of global culinary trends and ability to integrate them into menu innovation
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills for interdepartmental planning and execution
- Ability to work under pressure and deliver consistently high results in a high-volume kitchen environment
POSITION 2: SOUS CHEF – NAIROBI
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting directly to the Executive Chef, the Sous Chef will play a critical support and supervisory role in the kitchen, with responsibilities such as:
- Maintaining quality and consistency in food taste, texture, and presentation across all dishes
- Assisting in daily operations, including staff scheduling, prep coordination, and kitchen logistics
- Monitoring inventory, overseeing food storage, and maintaining accurate stock levels
- Training junior staff on culinary techniques, plating standards, and safe kitchen practices
- Maintaining food safety compliance, conducting hygiene inspections, and reinforcing sanitation standards
- Collaborating with the Executive Chef on menu design, seasonal updates, and promotional items
- Supporting a team culture focused on performance, innovation, and professional growth
- Providing feedback to the kitchen team to improve processes, reduce waste, and enhance guest experience
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
Ideal candidates should demonstrate the following:
- Diploma in Culinary Arts or a related field
- At least 3 years of experience as a Sous Chef or equivalent role in a 4 or 5-star hotel
- Ability to manage operations, schedules, and inventory in a fast-paced kitchen environment
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills
- Understanding of food cost controls and portioning strategies
- Versatility in both African and international cuisine
- Commitment to guest satisfaction and continuous improvement
- Ability to foster teamwork and create a positive kitchen culture
COMPANY CULTURE AND VALUES
At Sarova Hotels, excellence is not just a goal—it’s a standard. The company fosters a culture where innovation, authenticity, and warmth are the foundation of every guest interaction. As a culinary team member, you will join a culture that values:
- Creativity: Encouraging new menu ideas and culinary experiments
- Passion: Enthusiastic about delivering unforgettable gastronomic experiences
- Sustainability: Embracing ethical sourcing and waste-reduction practices
- Collaboration: Working across departments to create seamless service experiences
- Growth: Investing in staff training, upskilling, and career development
Team members at Sarova are treated as professionals with a shared mission—to surprise and delight guests through culinary excellence.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply as follows:
Application Instructions
- Prepare a detailed CV clearly outlining your culinary background, work experience, and achievements
- Write a cover letter that highlights your passion for hospitality and explains why you want to join Sarova
- Send your application to erecruit@sarovahotels.com
- Subject Line: Application for [Executive Chef / Sous Chef] Position
- Include three referees with current contact information (phone and email)
Deadline for applications: 30th May 2025
SELECTION PROCESS
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
- Shortlisted applicants may be required to undergo a culinary skills test
- References will be contacted for the final interview phase
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