Job Description
Main Function
- The National Kitchen Assistant supports overall kitchen operations by assisting with food preparation, maintaining cleanliness, organizing ingredients, and ensuring smooth workflow in the preparation of Nigerian dishes.
- The role is vital in helping senior chefs with daily tasks, ensuring efficiency, and upholding high standards of hygiene and safety.
- The ideal candidate must be hardworking, teachable, attentive, and passionate about Nigerian cuisine while being able to work effectively in a busy kitchen environment.
Responsibilities
Food Preparation:
- Assist in basic food prep such as washing, peeling, cutting, chopping, and grinding ingredients.
- Support in preparing Nigerian dishes including soups, stews, rice dishes, grills, and side dishes under supervision.
- Ensure ingredients are properly cleaned, measured, and organized for use.
- Assist with mise en place for daily kitchen operations and special events.
- Follow instructions from senior chefs regarding recipe preparation and portioning.
Cooking Assistance:
- Support chefs during cooking, mixing, stirring, steaming, and frying processes when required.
- Assist in monitoring pots, grills, and stoves to prevent burning or overcooking.
- Help in plating simple dishes and arranging accompaniments.
- Safely operate basic kitchen equipment such as grinders, blenders, warmers, and steamers.
Kitchen Hygiene and Safety:
- Maintain strict hygiene and food safety practices (HACCP).
- Keep the kitchen environment clean, orderly, and sanitized at all times.
- Wash and properly store kitchen utensils, cookware, and tools.
- Ensure proper storage of raw ingredients, cooked foods, and perishables.
- Dispose of waste appropriately and report any safety hazards immediately.
Inventory and Stock Control:
- Assist with receiving food supplies and checking quality and quantity.
- Properly label, wrap, and store items to avoid contamination or spoilage.
- Assist with stock rotation using FIFO.
- Inform the Chef de Partie of low-stock items or needed supplies.
- Handle kitchen tools, containers, and equipment with care.
Team Support and Cooperation:
- Work closely with chefs and other kitchen staff to support smooth operations.
- Assist during peak meal periods and large-volume service.
- Provide support during menu preparations and kitchen planning sessions.
- Participate in briefings, training, and skill-development activities.
Experience / Qualification
- Minimum of SSCE; additional kitchen or hospitality training is an added advantage.
- 0–2 years of experience as a kitchen assistant, steward, or related role.
- Experience in restaurants, hotels, lounges, or food service environments is preferred.
- Basic knowledge of Nigerian food ingredients and cooking procedures.
- Familiarity with kitchen hygiene standards and basic equipment handling.
Competencies / Skills:
- Basic food preparation and kitchen organization skills.
- Strong attention to detail and cleanliness.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Willingness to learn and follow instructions.
- Ability to work under pressure during busy hours.
- Basic understanding of food safety and hygiene practices.
- Good physical stamina for standing, lifting, and moving items.
Behavioural Qualities / Other Competences:
- Hardworking, honest, and dependable.
- Respectful, disciplined, and professional.
- Positive attitude and eagerness to grow career in the kitchen.
- Calm and composed under pressure.
- Good personal hygiene and well-groomed appearance.
- Strong sense of responsibility and teamwork.