Java House, one of East Africa’s leading coffee houses and casual dining restaurant chains, is seeking passionate and competent individuals to join its dynamic kitchen team. With a strong reputation for quality food, warm hospitality, and consistent service, Java House continues to set the standard for contemporary African dining experiences.
As part of our ongoing expansion and commitment to excellence, we are hiring two Cooks to join our team in Voi. This is a unique opportunity for individuals with culinary passion and professionalism to thrive in a fast-paced, guest-oriented environment that values creativity, teamwork, and food safety.
About Java House
Founded in Nairobi, Java House has grown into a household name across East Africa, celebrated not only for its rich coffee heritage but also for its diverse menu offerings that include local and international cuisines. From the coffee bean to the dinner plate, our focus is on delivering exceptional experiences through quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and a dedicated team.
Our kitchens are the beating heart of our operations, and we pride ourselves on nurturing culinary talent through training, mentorship, and career growth opportunities. As a Java House Cook, you will become a critical part of this mission, helping us deliver memorable meals and moments to our guests.
Position: Cook
Location: Voi, Kenya
Number of Vacancies: 2
Experience Required: Minimum 3 years
Application Deadline: August 13, 2025
Job Description
The Cook will be responsible for preparing and presenting food items in accordance with Java House standards. The role involves working in a team to deliver high-quality meals efficiently, while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, food safety, and presentation.
This role requires culinary creativity, precision, and the ability to work under pressure, especially during peak dining hours. Candidates must possess a proactive approach, be receptive to feedback, and show commitment to continuous improvement.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Food Preparation and Presentation
- Prepare food items according to Java House recipes, procedures, and quality standards.
- Ensure meals are presented attractively and served at the correct temperatures.
- Maintain consistency in portion sizes and food quality.
- Coordinate with fellow kitchen staff to ensure smooth meal preparation and timely service.
- Kitchen Hygiene and Sanitation
- Maintain a clean and sanitized kitchen environment in accordance with food safety standards.
- Regularly clean and sanitize cooking stations, utensils, equipment, and surfaces.
- Adhere to cleaning schedules and health regulations at all times.
- Food Storage and Inventory Management
- Ensure all food ingredients are stored properly to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- Label and date food items to comply with storage protocols.
- Monitor stock levels and report shortages to the kitchen supervisor or manager.
- Assist in checking deliveries for quality and quantity.
- Quality Control
- Ensure all dishes meet the required quality and presentation standards before they leave the kitchen.
- Report any quality inconsistencies to the supervisor or chef-in-charge immediately.
- Follow Java House food preparation guidelines to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Team Collaboration
- Work closely with other kitchen and service team members to meet customer demands.
- Support new team members through peer mentorship and collaborative work.
- Engage in team briefings and contribute to ongoing process improvements.
- Customer Satisfaction
- Be receptive to customer feedback regarding food preparation and taste.
- Respond promptly to special meal requests or allergy-related concerns as directed by supervisors.
- Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations
- Follow all food safety and workplace safety protocols.
- Use kitchen equipment responsibly and report malfunctioning tools immediately.
- Adhere to Java House’s safety policies, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when required.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
To ensure consistent service and food quality, the following KPIs will be used to assess the performance of the Cook:
- Food Quality and Consistency
- Maintaining taste, portioning, and appearance of meals.
- Positive guest feedback and repeat orders.
- Kitchen Hygiene Standards
- Compliance with sanitation and cleaning schedules.
- Zero incidences of food contamination or hygiene violations.
- Proper Storage and Inventory Management
- Accurate labeling and rotation of food items.
- Minimum wastage through effective inventory practices.
- Team Efficiency and Coordination
- Timely meal preparation during high-volume service.
- Effective collaboration with other kitchen team members.
- Customer Satisfaction
- Guest satisfaction as measured by Net Promoter Score (NPS).
- Ability to address and resolve customer complaints related to food.
- Food Safety and Integrity
- No incidences of safety breaches.
- Demonstrated honesty and integrity in all kitchen operations.
- Station Management
- Neat, organized, and well-stocked cooking stations.
- Timely readiness for every service session.
- Margins and Cost Control
- Minimizing wastage through portion control.
- Efficient use of kitchen resources.
Required Experience and Skills
Candidates must meet the following criteria to be considered for the role:
- Minimum of three years’ experience in a professional kitchen, ideally within a busy restaurant or hospitality establishment.
- Proven culinary skills and a track record of preparing a variety of meals with consistency and quality.
- Ability to operate under pressure in a fast-paced environment, especially during peak hours.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to receive instructions and work with minimal supervision.
- Must be flexible and willing to adapt to changing kitchen demands.
- Demonstrated integrity and honesty in professional conduct.
Special Conditions of Employment
To succeed in this role, candidates must meet the following additional requirements:
- Possession of a Certificate in Food and Beverage Production from a recognized institution.
- Competent knowledge in cookery and culinary arts, including techniques such as sautéing, grilling, roasting, and baking.
- Familiarity with kitchen equipment including ovens, grills, fryers, and mixers.
- Understanding of food safety standards and sanitation protocols.
Core Competencies
Java House is looking for candidates who not only have the technical skills but also the right attitude to thrive in its customer-centric environment. The ideal candidate should demonstrate the following competencies:
- Team Player
- Willingness to collaborate and support team members across various shifts and stations.
- Adaptability
- Ability to adjust to guest preferences and special dietary requirements quickly.
- Culinary Knowledge
- Understanding of various cuisines, ingredients, and cooking techniques.
- Guest-Focused Mindset
- Attentiveness to customer feedback and willingness to enhance meal experiences.
- Passion for Growth
- Eagerness to learn and grow in culinary skills and restaurant operations.
Why Join Java House?
At Java House, employees are valued, trained, and empowered to grow both personally and professionally. You will enjoy:
- A supportive and team-driven environment
- Opportunities for culinary training and upskilling
- Exposure to diverse menu offerings and food concepts
- Competitive work standards aligned with international restaurant brands
- A culture of integrity, respect, and shared success
Work Location
The successful candidates will be stationed in Voi, one of Kenya’s most rapidly growing urban centers. The location offers a friendly environment, affordable living, and a growing customer base for Java House. Local knowledge and adaptability to the region’s pace will be an advantage for applicants.
Application Details
Application Deadline: August 13, 2025
Salary Range: Not disclosed (based on experience and internal grading)
Location: Voi
Vacancies: 2 positions available
Interested candidates who meet the above requirements and are ready to contribute to a high-performing kitchen team are encouraged to submit their application before the closing date.
To apply, please send your application to the provided contact or email as per the job posting.
If you’re ready to bring your culinary passion to a trusted brand and grow within one of East Africa’s most beloved food service companies, this is your opportunity to make your mark. Don’t miss the chance to be part of the Java House legacy.
