Chef de Cuisine - Latin American Cuisine

Expected to open 2025, Hyatt Regency Lagos Ikeja is ideally located in the serene GRA and just moments away from Murtala Muhammed International Airport. Hyatt Regency Lagos Ikeja is a premier hotel in Lagos, Nigeria, offering the perfect blend of convenience and elegance where our guests feel comfortable, connected, and encouraged to be their best selves because they are welcome and relaxed in our care.

Hyatt Regency hotels and resorts are founded on openness - our colleagues consistently serve with open minds and open hearts to deliver unforgettable celebrations, effortless relaxation and notable culinary experiences alongside expert meetings and technology-enabled collaboration.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Chef de Cuisine - Latin American Cuisine

Req ID: IKE000004
Location: Ikeja, Lagos
Job type: Full-time

Summary

• The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for leading the culinary operations of ALTO, signature rooftop restaurant and bar.
• The role requires a creative and commercially minded culinary leader capable of delivering an innovative dining experience that blends the vibrant flavors, cooking techniques, and presentation styles of Latin American cuisine with authentic Nigerian ingredients and influences.
• The Chef de Cuisine will oversee menu development, food quality, team leadership, cost control, food safety, and guest satisfaction while creating a unique rooftop dining destination in Lagos.

Responsibilities
Culinary Leadership:

• Develop and execute a distinctive Latin American-Nigerian fusion menu for lunch, dinner, bar bites, and special events.
• Create seasonal menus and signature dishes that reflect the ALTO brand positioning.
• Continuously innovate by combining Latin American culinary traditions with Nigerian ingredients and flavors.
• Ensure consistency in food quality, taste, presentation, and portion control.

Kitchen Operations:

• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations and ensure efficient service execution.
• Supervise all food preparation and production activities.
• Maintain highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety.
• Ensure compliance with Hyatt food safety standards and local health regulations.

Guest Experience:

• Collaborate with the Food & Beverage team to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Interact with guests and handle food-related feedback professionally.
• Support promotional activities, special events, and culinary showcases.

Qualifications

• Qualification in Kitchen Production or Management will be an advantage.
• Minimum of 2 years experience as Chef de Cuisine or Sous Chef in a hotel or restaurant of good standards; preferably with experience in luxury international brands.  
• Comprehensive knowledge of kitchen hygiene practices and occupational health and safety standards will be essential.
• Basic Computer Skills in MS Office, and Recipe Maintenance System is preferred.

Preferred Candidate Profile:
The ideal candidate will have experience in lifestyle dining concepts and be able to create signature dishes such as:

• Jollof Arroz con Mariscos
• Suya-Spiced Argentinean Steak
• Nigerian Pepper & Lime Ceviche
• Plantain Empanadas
• Asun Tacos
• Grilled Lobster with Yaji Chimichurri
• Cassava & Corn Arepas
• Hibiscus Tres Leches
• Tropical Latin-Nigerian cocktail pairing menus.

Technical Skills:
Strong knowledge of: 

• Latin American cuisines (Peruvian, Mexican, Brazilian, Argentinian, Caribbean)
• Grilling and live-fire cooking
• Contemporary small plates and sharing concepts
• Premium rooftop dining operations
• Food costing and menu engineering
• HACCP and food safety standards

Leadership Competencies:

• Creative culinary vision.
• Strong people leadership and coaching skills.
• Excellent organizational and planning abilities.
• Commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Passion for innovation and guest satisfaction.