Head Chef / Senior Kitchen Lead (Fast-Casual Restaurant)

Our client is a new fast casual food concept launching in Singapore, they seek to hire a Head Chef / Senior Kitchen Lead (Fast-Casual Restaurant). The client is a founder-led, independently owned brand with a strong identity, a clearly defined menu, and franchise ambitions from day one. This is a ground-floor opportunity for the right person to grow with the brand from launch through to a multi-site and eventually central kitchen operation.

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Head Chef / Senior Kitchen Lead to oversee kitchen operations in a fast-casual restaurant environment. The role requires a strong operator who can manage food cost, build and train a kitchen team, implement SOPs, and run the kitchen independently.

The successful candidate should have experience opening or setting up new locations, maintaining consistent food quality, and ensuring efficient kitchen operations while controlling costs and wastage.

Key Responsibilities:

Kitchen Operations

• Lead daily kitchen operations to ensure consistent food quality, speed, and hygiene standards.

• Ensure smooth coordination between kitchen and front-of-house operations.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant kitchen environment.

Food Cost & Inventory Management

• Manage food cost targets through proper portioning, supplier management, and waste reduction.

• Control inventory, ordering, and stock levels to avoid shortages or excess.

• Monitor and reduce food wastage through proper kitchen processes and staff training.

• Conduct regular stock checks and cost tracking.

Team Leadership & Training

• Recruit, build, and train a strong kitchen team capable of running shifts independently.

• Provide ongoing coaching to improve kitchen efficiency and food quality.

• Set clear performance expectations and maintain team discipline.

SOP Development & Implementation

• Develop and implement kitchen SOPs for food preparation, hygiene, food safety, and workflow.

• Ensure all staff follow SOPs consistently.

• Continuously improve processes to increase efficiency and reduce errors.

New Outlet Setup

• Assist in opening and setting up new restaurant locations.

• Design kitchen workflow, equipment setup, and prep processes.

• Train new staff and ensure operational readiness for launch.

Quality & Compliance

• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency.

• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and hygiene standards.

Requirements:

Experience

• Proven experience as Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Senior Kitchen Lead in a fast-casual or high-volume restaurant.

• Experience opening or setting up new restaurant locations is strongly preferred.

• Strong track record in food cost control, ordering, and inventory management.

Leadership

• Experience building, training, and managing a kitchen team.

• Ability to run kitchen operations independently with minimal supervision.

• Operational Skills

• Experience writing or implementing kitchen SOPs and workflows.

• Strong understanding of food cost management and waste reduction.

Personal Attributes

• Hands-on leader who leads by example.

• Organized, disciplined, and able to work under pressure.

• Strong problem-solving ability and operational mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in multi-outlet or expanding restaurant concepts.

• Knowledge of central kitchen coordination (if applicable).

• Food hygiene certification.

Interested candidates please email your CV addressed to Victor Teoh (R1218406) to

Please include in your resume:

. Reasons for leaving your current and previous employment(s)

. Current / last drawn and expected salaries

. Availability / Notice period required