Head/Executive Chef Position at Chanya by Ardhi Africa

Location: Moshi, Tanzania
Reports To: Managing Director / Upper Management
Duration: 2-Year Contract after Probationary Period

Position Summary

The Head/Executive Chef serves as the culinary visionary and operational lead for Chanya by Ardhi Africa. This role involves end-to-end management of the kitchen, from creative menu design to rigorous financial oversight. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, the Chef ensures that every meal reflects our brand’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and authentic Tanzanian flavors. This is an executive-level role requiring a leader who can balance artistic culinary execution with disciplined business management and team mentorship.

Key Responsibilities

• Culinary Leadership & Menu Innovation:
  • Design, implement, and evolve seasonal menus that harmonize international standards with local East African ingredients.
  • Oversee the "Farm-to-Table" strategy, sourcing high-quality local produce in line with Ardhi Africa’s sustainability goals.
  • Ensure the highest standards of food presentation, taste, and consistency across all dining outlets and guest experiences.
  • Proactively manage dietary requirements and specialized requests with the Guest Services Manager for allergies, gluten-free, vegan, and plant-based options.
• Kitchen Operations & Financial Management:
  • Take full accountability for the back-of-house budget, including food cost analysis, waste reduction, and labor efficiency.
  • Regularly monitor food quality, consistency, plating, and adherence to agreed recipes.
  • Manage procurement and inventory, building strong relationships with local suppliers for a reliable supply chain of high-quality goods and services.
  • Maintain impeccable kitchen hygiene, safety, and equipment maintenance standards in compliance with international regulations.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  • Foster a positive, disciplined, and collaborative kitchen environment for professional growth.
  • Lead recruitment, training, and mentorship of the culinary team focusing on technical skills and service excellence.
  • Conduct regular training sessions on SOPs, food safety (HACCP), and plating techniques.
• Administrative & Strategy:
  • Align culinary offerings with the broader business and marketing strategy.
  • Conduct weekly spot checks to ensure adherence to systems, documenting findings in monthly reports.
  • Prepare regular reports on food costs, inventory levels, and departmental performance.
• Event Management and Marketing:
  • Oversee bookings for special events held at Chanya.
  • Serve as a brand ambassador, interacting with guests to share the menu’s story and Ardhi Africa’s culinary philosophy.

Qualifications & Requirements

Education & Experience:

• Degree or Advanced Diploma in Culinary Arts or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in high-end hospitality, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role (Executive Chef or Head Chef).
• Proven track record in menu engineering, food costing, and sustainable kitchen management.
• Experience working in a multicultural environment; East African experience is highly advantageous.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above criteria are invited to submit their detailed CV, a cover letter highlighting relevant experience and why they are a good fit for the Ardhi Africa brand, and any appropriate references or certificates to jobs@ardhi.africa.

Ardhi Africa is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from qualified Tanzanian nationals as well as international applicants. Ardhi Africa is always recruiting for hotel professionals in Moshi and Arusha. Please feel free to send in an application for any position at any time. Karibuni Sana.

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