Senior Kitchen Operations Associate – Ando Foods (Nairobi)

Ando Foods is seeking a seasoned Kitchen Operations Associate to oversee the daily flow of its delivery‑only food production in Nairobi. This senior‑level position sits at the heart of a fast‑growing culinary brand that focuses on premium, restaurant‑quality meals designed for seamless delivery. You will be responsible for managing a bustling kitchen environment, ensuring consistency, safety, and efficiency across every shift.

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What You'll Do

In this role you will take charge of the kitchen’s operational excellence and lead a dedicated production team.

• Supervise and coach kitchen staff throughout each shift to maintain smooth, high‑speed service.
• Ensure every dish follows exact recipes, portion sizes, and quality benchmarks before it leaves the kitchen.
• Develop and manage production schedules so that menu items are prepared accurately and delivered on time.
• Uphold rigorous food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols at all times.
• Oversee inventory activities, including regular stock counts, FIFO rotation, and timely replenishment of ingredients.
• Monitor waste, variances, and losses, then implement corrective actions to minimise inefficiencies.
• Maintain precise production records, temperature logs, cleaning calendars, and operational checklists.
• Keep the kitchen organized, clean, and ready for operation during all working hours.
• Collaborate with procurement and operations teams to guarantee an uninterrupted flow of supplies.
• Identify bottlenecks and drive process‑improvement projects that boost productivity and consistency.
• Onboard, train, and mentor new kitchen personnel on standard operating procedures and best practices.
• Represent the kitchen in cross‑functional meetings, reporting performance metrics, challenges, and resource needs.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate combines hands‑on kitchen expertise with proven leadership abilities.

• Three to four years of experience managing kitchen or food‑production operations, preferably in a high‑volume cloud‑kitchen or restaurant setting.
• Background working for fast‑paced brands such as Java House, Artcaffe, or comparable establishments is highly regarded.
• Demonstrated experience leading and supervising a team of kitchen staff.
• Deep understanding of food safety standards, hygiene regulations, and quality control measures.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for effective coordination across departments.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain high standards under pressure.
• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including weekends and public holidays.
• Proactive attitude with a strong sense of ownership and accountability for results.
• Additional certifications such as HACCP, Food Handler’s Certificate, or ISO 22000 are advantageous.
• Familiarity with inventory management software and production planning tools is a plus.
• Experience tracking kitchen KPIs like food cost, waste, yield, and productivity will be considered favorably.

Perks & Benefits

Ando Foods offers a competitive salary package together with a comprehensive benefits suite. You will have clear pathways for career progression within one of the region’s fastest‑expanding food companies, receive mentorship from seasoned culinary and operations leaders, and work in a collaborative, high‑performance environment that values innovation and teamwork.

If you are ready to lead a dynamic kitchen team and contribute to a brand that is redefining food delivery in Africa, submit your application through CareerLink Africa today.