Job Description

Do you have a genuine passion for creating delicious food and a desire to build a successful career in a professional kitchen? Watercress Hotels & Events, Ikeja, is hiring now for a dedicated and hardworking Commis Chef / Kitchen Assistant to join our talented culinary team. This is a hands-on role that is perfect for a junior chef or an experienced kitchen helper who is eager to learn, grow, and contribute to a high-quality food and beverage operation.

You will work directly under the guidance of our senior chefs, learning all aspects of our kitchen operations, from food preparation to plating. Recognizing the importance of a focused and reliable team, this full-time position comes with the excellent and highly valuable benefit of free, secure staff accommodation. If you are a team-oriented individual with a love for cooking and are ready for an immediate start, we want you in our kitchen.

What You Will Do

• Assist our senior chefs with daily food preparation tasks (“mise en place”), including washing, chopping, and portioning a wide variety of ingredients.
• Maintain an impeccably clean, sanitized, and organized workstation at all times, in strict accordance with all food safety standards.
• Learn and expertly execute menu recipes to the hotel’s high standards of quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Actively support the entire kitchen team during busy service periods to ensure a smooth, efficient, and successful operation.

Why Join Us

• Grow your professional culinary career with a respected Nigerian hotel brand that is known for its quality food and high-profile events.
• Enjoy the significant financial benefit and convenience of free, secure staff housing, saving you money and valuable commute time in Lagos.
• Learn directly from experienced Head Chefs and gain invaluable, hands-on experience in a structured and professional kitchen environment.
• Be part of a supportive, collaborative, and hardworking kitchen team where your passion for food will be nurtured and valued.

NOTE: This job post was originally published on Ombek.com. To apply for this job or for more details, please visit the original post at "Ombek.com"

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and portion all necessary ingredients required for the daily menu (mise en place), as directed by senior chefs.
• Cook and plate various dishes from the menu according to the Head Chef's recipes and exact presentation standards.
• Safely and efficiently operate a variety of kitchen equipment, including ovens, grills, fryers, and mixers.
• Assist with stock control and inventory, including the proper receiving and storage of all food deliveries.
• Ensure all food is stored correctly at the right temperature and in the right conditions to prevent spoilage and ensure freshness.
• Maintain impeccable cleanliness of your assigned station, all kitchen equipment, and general storage areas throughout your shift.

Required Skills

• A genuine and demonstrable passion for cooking and the culinary arts.
• Solid knowledge of basic cooking techniques, knife skills, and kitchen equipment.
• The ability to work quickly, efficiently, and cleanly in a fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment.
• A strong team player with good communication skills and the ability to take direction well.
• A high degree of reliability, punctuality, and the physical stamina to handle the demands of a busy kitchen.

Preferred Qualifications

• A certificate or diploma from a recognized culinary or catering school is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 1-3 years of practical, hands-on experience working in a professional kitchen environment (e.g., hotel, restaurant, or reputable caterer).
• A valid Food Handler's Certificate is a strong advantage.
• You must be knowledgeable about fundamental food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards (such as HACCP principles).

Perks & Benefits

• Free, secure, on-site or nearby staff accommodation.
• A competitive monthly salary.
• Daily duty meals provided to you while you are on shift.
• Professional kitchen uniforms and necessary safety gear (e.g., safety shoes) are provided.
• Excellent opportunities for on-the-job training and career advancement within our culinary team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is accommodation definitely provided with this job?

Yes, free, shared staff accommodation is provided on-site or very close to the hotel as a key benefit for this position.

Do I need to be a fully qualified Head Chef to apply?

No, this role is for a junior chef or an experienced kitchen assistant (at the Commis Chef level). We value practical experience and a strong passion for learning and growing in the culinary field.

Where is the hotel located?

Our hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Ikeja, Lagos, just off the major thoroughfare of Obafemi Awolowo Way.

What are the working hours?

This is a demanding kitchen role that requires working in shifts. Your schedule will include a mix of early mornings for breakfast preparation, evenings for dinner service, weekends, and public holidays.

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