The Chef – Flavor Development Specialist at Kuku King is a creative and skilled culinary professional with a passion for developing distinctive flavors. This chef will be responsible for designing proprietary spice blends, marinades, and flavor profiles that define our signature fried and grilled chicken, including expertise in Peri Peri Chicken preparation. This role is key to establishing Kuku King as a leader in flavor and quality, ensuring an exceptional and consistent dining experience that resonates with customers in East Africa and beyond.
- Minimum Qualification :Diploma
- Experience Level :Mid level
- Experience Length :5 years
Job Title: Chef – Flavor Development Specialist
Location: Kuku King Quick Service Restaurant
Reports To: Head of Kitchen Operations
Key Responsibilities:
Recipe Development and Innovation:
- Develop unique, proprietary spice blends and marinades, with a focus on signature items like fried and Peri Peri grilled chicken.
- Conduct research on flavor trends, drawing inspiration from East African and global cuisines, to blend cultural authenticity with modern tastes.
- Test and refine recipes to ensure consistency in flavor, texture, and quality, adapting Peri Peri techniques to align with the Kuku King brand.
Quality Control:
- Set and maintain standards for all spice and marinade recipes, ensuring flavor consistency and high-quality standards in every batch.
- Conduct regular taste tests and make adjustments as necessary to achieve the desired flavor profile, especially for popular items like Peri Peri Chicken.
- Collaborate closely with the kitchen team to oversee the application of spice blends and marinades, ensuring adherence to recipe guidelines and cooking techniques.
Ingredient Sourcing and Management:
- Source high-quality spices and ingredients that align with Kuku King’s brand values, including ingredients for authentic Peri Peri marinades.
- Manage inventory, tracking quantities, storage conditions, and freshness to optimize flavor quality and minimize waste.
- Work with local suppliers to identify fresh, authentic ingredients that enhance our signature flavors and meet budget requirements.
Training and Collaboration:
- Train kitchen staff on the preparation and application of proprietary spice blends, marinades, and Peri-Peri techniques.
- Collaborate with kitchen staff to incorporate new flavors into menu items and seasonal promotions and ensure quality across all dishes.
- Provide input and support during new menu launches, maintaining the high standards of Kuku King’s culinary profile.
Health and Safety Compliance:
- Adhere to strict food safety and sanitation guidelines in the preparation, storage, and handling of spices and ingredients.
- Implement procedures to prevent cross-contamination, particularly with spicy ingredients, and maintain a clean and safe working environment.
Continuous Improvement and Experimentation:
- Stay updated on culinary trends and experiment with new flavors and cooking techniques, particularly those related to Peri Peri and other popular chicken styles.
- Gather customer feedback and incorporate insights into recipe refinement, ensuring the menu remains fresh and appealing.
Qualifications:
- Experience: Minimum 5 years as a chef, preferably in a fast-casual or quick-service setting, with specific experience in Peri Peri Chicken preparation and spice blending.
- Education: Degree or diploma in culinary arts, food science, or a related field is preferred.
Skills:
- Expertise in seasoning techniques, spice profiles, and Peri Peri and Fried Chicken marinades.
- Strong ability to create, test, and refine recipes with attention to quality and consistency.
- Excellent communication skills to train kitchen staff and work effectively with the team.
- In-depth knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
Desired Attributes:
- Creativity: A passion for exploring and creating memorable, distinctive flavors.
- Attention to Detail: Precise approach to ingredient measurement, recipe accuracy, and consistency.
- Cultural Awareness: Understanding of East African and global cuisines to produce flavors that are both authentic and innovative.
