• Position Title: Head Chef
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya (CHAK Guest House/Facility)
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Number of Vacancies: 1
• Reporting To: Guest House Manager / Administration
• Application Deadline: December 22, 2025
• Category/Department: Catering / Confectionery / Hospitality
• Salary: Estimated KES 80,000 – 120,000 Monthly (Note: This is an estimate based on 2025 market data from BrighterMonday Kenya and Glassdoor for head chefs in faith-based/NGO hospitality facilities, adjusted for CHAK’s requirement of Diploma + 8 years (3 in supervisory). Final salary determined by CHAK.)

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Introduction

Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK), a national network of Protestant churches’ health facilities and community-based health programmes providing not-for-profit quality healthcare services through advocacy, health systems strengthening, networking, and innovative programmes, is seeking a Head Chef to oversee kitchen operations at its Guest House/Facility, creating/executing high-quality menus, managing staff, ensuring food safety, controlling costs, and delivering exceptional guest experiences while achieving set food cost margins.

Requiring a minimum Diploma in Culinary Arts (Degree in Hospitality Management advantage), at least 8 years fast-paced kitchen experience (minimum 3 years supervisory e.g., Sous Chef), the role demands creativity, leadership, and strict adherence to sanitation/quality standards. Ideal for passionate, organised culinary leaders committed to excellence in a faith-based environment, this opportunity aligns with Kenya’s KES 100 billion hospitality sector and Vision 2030’s service quality goals. This role suits detail-oriented, team-motivating professionals ready for impactful, inclusive catering in a leading health network.

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About Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK)

CHAK’s constitution provides for membership to Protestant churches’ health facilities and community-based health programmes provided their services are not for profit. Mission: To facilitate member health units in their provision of quality healthcare services through advocacy, health systems strengthening, networking and innovative health programmes.

CHAK fosters a culture of compassion, quality, and service, delivering holistic healthcare and hospitality. For Head Chefs, CHAK provides stable environment, supportive teams, and mission purpose, creating a workplace where your culinary expertise nourishes guests in a diverse, inclusive faith-based network.

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Job Summary

Responsible for overseeing the kitchen operations, creating and executing high-quality menus, maintaining a positive, motivated and productive work environment. Ensures the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and safety, while managing kitchen staff and ensuring exceptional guest experiences. Responsible for effective food inventory management and achievement of the set food cost margins.

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Key Responsibilities

• Menu creation and development – Design, plan and execute creative and innovative menu options guided by the facility cost margin guidelines and taking into account client preferences.
• Kitchen operations management – Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth and efficient service. Ensure all food preparation, cooking and presentation is of the highest quality. Monitor food preparation and cooking techniques to ensure consistency.
• Staff management and training – Supervise, train and mentor kitchen staff, ensuring the development of a skilled team. Manage staff schedules to ensure busy seasons are well covered. Manage staff off days and leave scheduling. Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback.
• Inventory and cost control – Manage inventory levels of food and kitchen supplies, ensuring quality supplies, proper storage, rotation and waste reduction. Control food cost through efficient ordering, portion control and minimizing waste. Update and maintain relevant inventory records.
• Health and safety compliance – Enforce strict adherence to food safety and sanitation standards in the kitchen. Ensure adherence to local authority food safety guidelines.
• Guest Experience – Ensure all the presentation and quality of food exceed guest expectations. Address any guest feedback or concerns related to food quality promptly.
• Collaboration – Work closely with the service team to maintain and improve overall guest experience. Participate in budgeting, formulating and implementing strategies to meet the Guest House financial goals. Partner with sales and marketing to create special events and promotions.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by management from time to time.

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Required Experience

• A minimum of a Diploma in Culinary Arts from a recognized Hospitality Training Institute. A degree in hospitality management would be an added advantage.
• At least 8 years’ experience in a fast-paced kitchen, with a minimum of 3 years in a supervisory or leadership role (Sous Chef or higher).

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Company Culture and Values

CHAK fosters a culture of compassion, quality, and service, delivering holistic healthcare and hospitality through Protestant church networks. With member health units nationwide, CHAK promotes diversity through inclusive care and community focus, encouraging collaboration via programme teams. Values of integrity, excellence, and justice guide operations, with Head Chefs central to nourishing guests.

CHAK supports growth with training and mission purpose, creating a purposeful workplace. For the Head Chef, this means leading culinary excellence in a supportive environment, aligned with Vision 2030.

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How to Apply

Apply now for the Head Chef position at Christian Health Association of Kenya (CHAK).

Submit via https://recruitment.chak.or.ke/ by December 22, 2025.

Attach:

• Cover letter
• CV
• Copies of certificates (file size ≤2MB)

If issues with link, email to hr@chak.or.ke.

Address to: The General Secretary, P.O. Box 30690 – 00100, Nairobi.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No fees.

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Tags

CHAK Head Chef Nairobi, Guest House Kitchen Management, Menu Development Staff Training, Full-Time Diploma Culinary Arts 8 Years, Cost Control Food Safety, Vision 2030 Healthcare Hospitality

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Expert Tips for Success as Head Chef at CHAK: A Shortlister’s Perspective

As a recruiter shortlisting for CHAK’s Head Chef, I prioritize applications that demonstrate culinary leadership, cost control precision, and team motivation in hospitality. With a 70% rejection rate due to generic CVs or no 8 years, these 10 tips are designed to place your application in the top 5% by showcasing your Diploma and supervisory experience. Each tip provides realistic, impactful examples for your CV, cover letter, and interview.

Tip 1: Lead with a Quantified Menu Development Achievement

Why It Works: Recruiters seek chefs who create profitable menus—50% of shortlists go to candidates with cost/guest metrics. A CV opening with a specific achievement (e.g., “Developed 50 menus reducing food cost 20%”) grabs attention, proving your creativity.

CV Example:
“Developed 50 guest house menus as Head Chef candidate reducing food cost 20%.”
Why: This showcases your creativity, aligning with CHAK’s menu needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As 8-year kitchen leader, I executed 30 innovative options with 95% guest satisfaction, preparing me for CHAK’s requirements.”
Why: It links your experience to the job’s development needs.

Interview Example:
“As Chef, I planned 40 menus quarterly with 92% margin achievement, aligning with CHAK’s standards.”
Why: This story highlights your creativity with metrics.

How to Do It: Open your CV with a “Key Achievement” section featuring one bullet point with a cost/satisfaction metric. Include “Head Chef” and “menu development” in your CV and cover letter. Practice a 30-second interview story. Attach a redacted menu sample.

Tip 2: Highlight Kitchen Operations Management with a Efficiency Example

Why It Works: Overseeing daily operations for smooth service is core—recruiters prioritize operational leaders. A specific example of management (e.g., “Managed operations for 200 meals daily with 98% timeliness”) shows management.

CV Example:
“Managed operations for 200 meals daily as Head Chef candidate with 98% timeliness.”
Why: This quantifies your management, aligning with CHAK’s operations needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As 3-year supervisory chef, I oversaw 50 services with 95% quality, preparing me for CHAK’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s oversee needs.

Interview Example:
“As Chef, I ensured 40 consistencies quarterly with 92% presentation, aligning with CHAK’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your management with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Kitchen Operations Management & Efficiency Leadership” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to CHAK’s smooth service. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted shift report.

Tip 3: Demonstrate Staff Management with a Training Example

Why It Works: Supervising/training/mentoring staff is key—recruiters prioritize team builders. A specific example of management (e.g., “Trained 30 staff with 95% skill improvement”) shows training.

CV Example:
“Trained 30 kitchen staff as Head Chef candidate with 95% skill improvement.”
Why: This quantifies your training, aligning with CHAK’s staff needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I scheduled 50 shifts with 90% coverage, preparing me for CHAK’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s manage needs.

Interview Example:
“As Chef, I evaluated 40 performances quarterly with 92% feedback, aligning with CHAK’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your training with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Staff Management & Training Development” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to CHAK’s skilled team. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted training roster.

Tip 4: Highlight Inventory Cost Control with a Waste Example

Why It Works: Managing inventory/cost control/waste reduction is financial—recruiters prioritize cost controllers. A specific example of control (e.g., “Controlled inventory reducing waste 25%”) shows control.

CV Example:
“Controlled inventory reducing waste 25% as Head Chef candidate.”
Why: This quantifies your control, aligning with CHAK’s cost needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I ordered 200 supplies with 95% rotation, preparing me for CHAK’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s minimize needs.

Interview Example:
“As Chef, I optimized 40 portions quarterly with 92% margins, aligning with CHAK’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your control with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Inventory Cost Control & Waste Reduction” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to CHAK’s food cost margins. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted inventory record.

Tip 5: Demonstrate Health Safety Compliance with a Sanitation Example

Why It Works: Enforcing food safety/sanitation is mandatory—recruiters prioritize compliant chefs. A specific example of compliance (e.g., “Enforced sanitation with 100% audit pass”) shows enforcement.

CV Example:
“Enforced sanitation standards as Head Chef candidate with 100% audit pass.”
Why: This quantifies your enforcement, aligning with CHAK’s adherence needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I complied 50 local guidelines with 95% safety, preparing me for CHAK’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s strict needs.

Interview Example:
“As Chef, I maintained 40 hygiene protocols quarterly with 92% compliance, aligning with CHAK’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your enforcement with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Health Safety Compliance & Sanitation Enforcement” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to CHAK’s local authority. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted sanitation checklist.

Tip 6: Highlight Guest Experience with a Feedback Example

Why It Works: Ensuring food exceeds guest expectations/addressing feedback is valued—recruiters prioritize guest-focused chefs. A specific example of experience (e.g., “Exceeded expectations for 1,000 guests with 95% positive feedback”) shows experience.

CV Example:
“Exceeded expectations for 1,000 guests as Head Chef candidate with 95% positive feedback.”
Why: This quantifies your experience, aligning with CHAK’s guest needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I addressed 50 concerns with 90% promptness, preparing me for CHAK’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s address needs.

Interview Example:
“As Chef, I delighted 40 guests quarterly with 92% quality, aligning with CHAK’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your experience with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Guest Experience & Feedback Responsiveness” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to CHAK’s presentation/quality. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted guest comment.

Tip 7: Demonstrate Collaboration with a Service Team Example

Why It Works: Working closely with service team/budgeting/strategies is collaborative—recruiters prioritize collaborators. A specific example of collaboration (e.g., “Collaborated with 50 service staff with 95% experience improvement”) shows collaboration.

CV Example:
“Collaborated with 50 service staff as Head Chef candidate with 95% experience improvement.”
Why: This quantifies your collaboration, aligning with CHAK’s work closely needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As candidate, I partnered 30 sales/marketing with 90% promotions, preparing me for CHAK’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s partner needs.

Interview Example:
“As Chef, I aligned 40 teams quarterly with 92% goals, aligning with CHAK’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your collaboration with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Collaboration & Service Team Partnership” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to CHAK’s financial goals. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted collaboration plan.

Tip 8: Highlight Supervisory Experience with a Leadership Example

Why It Works: 3+ years supervisory (Sous Chef+) is required—recruiters prioritize leaders. A specific example of leadership (e.g., “Led 30 kitchen staff with 95% productivity”) shows leadership.

CV Example:
“Led 30 kitchen staff as Head Chef candidate with 95% productivity.”
Why: This quantifies your leadership, aligning with CHAK’s supervisory needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As 3-year Sous Chef, I mentored 50 with 90% development, preparing me for CHAK’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s leadership role needs.

Interview Example:
“As Chef, I supervised 40 teams quarterly with 92% motivation, aligning with CHAK’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your leadership with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Supervisory Experience & Leadership Development” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to CHAK’s 3 years supervisory. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach a redacted team roster.

Tip 9: Demonstrate Culinary Diploma with an Arts Example

Why It Works: Diploma in Culinary Arts is mandatory—recruiters prioritize qualified chefs. A specific example of diploma (e.g., “Applied Culinary Arts diploma to 200 menus”) shows application.

CV Example:
“Applied Culinary Arts diploma to 200 menus as Head Chef candidate.”
Why: This quantifies your application, aligning with CHAK’s diploma needs.

Cover Letter Example:
“As Hospitality degree holder, I innovated 50 dishes with 95% quality, preparing me for CHAK’s requirements.”
Why: It connects your experience to the job’s added advantage needs.

Interview Example:
“As Chef, I created 40 arts quarterly with 92% excellence, aligning with CHAK’s standards.”
Why: This story emphasizes your application with metrics.

How to Do It: Include a “Culinary Diploma & Arts Application” section in your CV. In your cover letter, connect one example to CHAK’s recognized institute. For interviews, practice a 30-second story. Attach diploma copy.

Tip 10: Craft a Concise, Guest-House Excellence Passion Interview Talk

Why It Works: Recruiters prioritize chefs who convey guest-house excellence passion and alignment with CHAK’s compassionate mission. A concise, 1-minute talk linking your skills to CHAK’s goals (e.g., nourishing guests) makes you memorable.

CV Example (Summary Statement):
“Guest-focused Head Chef candidate with Diploma Culinary Arts, 95% guest satisfaction, passionate about CHAK’s compassionate nourishment.”
Why: This sets a strong tone, aligning your skills with CHAK’s mission.

Cover Letter Example:
“With 90% kitchen leadership and cost mastery, I’m committed to CHAK’s positive first impressions through food.”
Why: It conveys passion and ties your skills to CHAK’s goals.

Interview Example:
“As Chef, I nourished 92% guests with quality, ready to exceed CHAK’s hospitality expectations.”
Why: This talk connects your experience to CHAK’s needs, showing passion and readiness.

How to Do It: Craft a 1-minute talk highlighting your culinary experience, a key achievement (e.g., “92% nourished”), and passion for CHAK’s mission. Include it in your cover letter’s closing and rehearse for interviews. Dress in chef whites/smart attire, arrive early, and bring a folder with your CV, diploma. Reference guest house. Follow up via recruitment.chak.or.ke emphasizing CHAK’s compassionate vision.

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