UCOOK - Store Assistant Chef

An opportunity has become available for a Store Assistant Chef at UCOOK. We are looking for a capable, dynamic and experienced foodie to produce our products for our new UCOOK concept store in Cape Town. Our ideal candidate has strong culinary skills, great team work, and a passion for exceptional customer satisfaction. They will have experience in recipe development and food production, with abilities in manufacturing, inventory control, food safety, planning, and waste. 

ABOUT THE ROLE 

The UCOOK Store Assistant Chef is responsible for producing the weekly store menu (Deli, Grab & Go, Meal Kit, Bakery), as well as other products that might be required. This role is primarily production and includes but is not limited to; brainstorming, recipe testing, and shelf life testing. The candidate is required to work cross-functionally with UCOOK’s operational teams (Food Team/ NPD, Procurement, Technical, Operations, and Logistics). 

KPIs WITHIN THIS ROLE 

1.Store Production  

• Cooking / Manufacturing of products
• Assist with Production Planning when required (ensuring raw materials are available & ready)
• Ensure traceability and complete documentation 
• Managing the quality and ensuring exceptional standards of every dish
• Problem solving where required
• Waste management
• Conduct stock takes
• Adhere to and assist in enforcing  food safety and hygiene standards within the kitchen
• Report any issues on machinery and equipment 
• Participate in quality checks, sampling process and shelf life tests of dishes 

2.Team Work 

• Training 
• Work closely with UCOOK Store leadership team, following their lead on daily production
• Work on UCOOK software platforms (i.e Power BI, server-side software, Acumatica, ERPLY)

3.Store Recipe Development 

• Assist with brainstorming and ideation of recipes 
• Assist with costing and writing recipes

• Assist with creating assembly instructions that are easy to follow and simple for the store 
• Adhere to weekly schedules

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Culinary Qualification
• Experience in product development 
• Experience in a food manufacturing environment 
• Technical/ Food Safety experience advantageous 

Functional skills:

• Professional Culinary qualification
• Passion for food and a high level of  understanding food and flavours 
• Good Excel skills 
• Time management - deadline driven 
• Strong oral and written communication
• Attention to detail 
• Proficient in cross-functional team work
• Creative 
• Able to delegate 
• Analytical skills
• Customer centric

Soft  skills:

• Collaborative team player with a can-do attitude and critical thinking approach to problem solving and making things happen
• Builds strong relationships
• Ability to motivate self and others
• Shows initiative and drive 
• Finger on the pulse of current trends within the Food Industry, and improving internal processes
• Takes accountability 
• Proactive and enthusiastic 
• Optimistic solution finder
• Passionate ambassador 

BENEFITS

• Discounts across the Silvertree portfolio group FtN, UCOOK, PetHeaven, and SKOON.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Own transportation