National Kitchen Assistant at Domeo Resources International (DRI)

Job Description

• 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.

Requirements

• Minimum of SSCE; additional kitchen or hospitality training is an added advantage.
• 1–2 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.