Job Title: Kitchen Assistant 

Location: Sambora Kinigi Lodge, [Musanze] 

Job Type: Full-time 

About Sambora Kinigi 

Sambora Kinigi Lodge, located in the heart of Kinigi, offers an extraordinary blend of nature, culture, and culinary artistry. As part of our mission to deliver an unforgettable luxury experience, we are seeking a talented Kitchen Assistant to support our Head Chef in leading the kitchen team, maintaining high culinary standards, and enhancing our gastronomic offerings. 

Job Overview 

As a Kitchen Assistant, you will work closely with the Head Chef, bridging the gap between strategic kitchen leadership and daily operations. Your responsibilities will include supervising the kitchen team, overseeing food preparation, ensuring quality control, and fostering innovation in menu development. This role demands a mix of operational efficiency, creative flair, and leadership to achieve Sambora’s international culinary standards. 

Key Responsibilities 

Culinary Excellence 

• Assist the Head Chef in conceptualizing, developing, and refining menus that align with Sambora Kinigi’s vision of cultural authenticity and luxury. 
• Supervise food preparation, ensuring every dish meets established quality, presentation, and timing standards. 
• Develop signature menu items, ensuring consistency in taste and presentation.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff, nurturing their culinary skills and promoting a culture of continuous improvement. 

Operational Management 

• Coordinate daily kitchen operations, ensuring timely service, smooth workflows, and adherence to safety and sanitation protocols. 
• Manage inventory, procurement, and stock rotation to minimize waste and maintain optimal levels of supplies. 
• Establish and enforce standard operating procedures to enhance kitchen efficiency. 

Team Collaboration

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team, fostering teamwork and effective communication.
•  Partner with the Head Chef in menu planning, special event coordination, and staff performance reviews. 
• Act as a bridge between kitchen and front-of-house teams to ensure seamless guest service. 

Guest Satisfaction 

• Monitor guest feedback to maintain and exceed expectations regarding culinary offerings. 
• Assist in accommodating special dietary requirements and personalized culinary requests with professionalism and creativity. 

Qualifications 

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or Kitchen Assistant in a high-end restaurant or luxury hospitality
  environment. 
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional training. 
• Strong leadership and mentorship abilities. 
• Creative and innovative approach to menu development and presentation.
•  In-depth knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations. 
• Excellent organizational and communication skills. 
• Ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment. 

Benefits 

• Competitive salary and benefits package. 
• Meals provided during working hours. 
• Opportunities for professional growth and development. 
• Work in a stunning natural environment that celebrates cultural heritage and culinary artistry.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) 

Menu Excellence 

• Consistency: Achieve consistent taste, presentation, and portioning across assigned menu items. 
• Guest Feedback: Maintain high guest satisfaction scores for dishes developed or supervised. 

Operational Efficiency 

• Kitchen Performance: Ensure smooth kitchen operations with minimal disruptions during peak hours. 
• Inventory Management: Reduce food waste and ensure compliance with inventory and procurement policies. 

Team Leadership 

• Training: Provide training initiatives, with measurable improvements in staff skills and performance. 
• Team Feedback: Receive positive feedback from staff regarding leadership and communication. 

Guest Satisfaction 

• Responsiveness: Address guest requests and dietary needs promptly, achieving high satisfaction rates. 
• Innovation: Introduce new dishes that resonate with guests, as evidenced by sales and feedback. 

Collaboration 

• Synergy with Head Chef: Ensure effective collaboration with the Head Chef in menu development and kitchen strategy. 
• Cross-department Coordination: Maintain seamless coordination with other departments for events and service delivery. 

Application: 

If you are a passionate culinary professional ready to contribute to Sambora Kinigi Lodge's commitment to excellence, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and cover letter, detailing your experience and vision for the role. via this email careers@samborakinigi.com

Sambora Kinigi Lodge is an equal opportunity employer and embraces diversity in its team.