Tandoor Cook

DEPARTMENT:
Culinary

REPORTING TO:
Executive Chef & Head Chef 

PLACE OF WORK:
Ambassadors Clubhouse, 1245 Broadway, New York NY 10001

JOB OVERVIEW:
The Tandoor Chef is responsible for the preparation, cooking, and execution of all dishes produced from the tandoor section, maintaining exceptional standards of quality, consistency, presentation, and food safety. This role requires strong technical knowledge of traditional Indian tandoor cooking, including breads, meats, seafood, vegetables, marinades, and temperature management. The Tandoor Cook will work closely with the Head Chef and wider culinary team to deliver refined Indian cuisine while respecting traditional techniques and ingredients.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in opening and closing procedures to prepare the kitchen for service and maintain cleanliness and organization throughout. 
• Manage and execute daily production and service for the tandoor section.
• Prepare and cook a range of tandoor dishes including meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, kebabs, and breads.
• Demonstrate expert knowledge of operating and maintaining clay tandoors safely and efficiently.
• Maintain appropriate tandoor temperatures throughout preparation and service.
• Understand heat zones, cooking times, skewer placement, and temperature control required for different products.
• Produce tandoor breads to the restaurant's established standards.
• Prepare, season, marinate, skewer, and cook proteins and vegetables according to recipes and specifications.
• Ensure all food is cooked consistently with the correct flavor, texture, temperature, and presentation.
• Coordinate closely with other kitchen stations to ensure dishes are completed and delivered simultaneously.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and fully stocked station throughout service.
• Follow standardized recipes, portion specifications, and plating guidelines.
• Understand the appropriate application and balance of Indian spices, marinades, and traditional cooking techniques.
• Inspect ingredients before preparation and immediately communicate any quality concerns.
• Maintain exceptional consistency across every service.
• Minimize waste through proper preparation, portioning, storage, and product rotation.
• Maintain clear communication with senior Culinary management.
• Follow all applicable NYC Department of Health requirements and company food safety procedures.
• Maintain appropriate food temperatures and proper cooling, storage, labeling, and rotation procedures.
• Follow FIFO standards and established shelf-life requirements.
• Prevent cross-contamination, particularly when handling raw proteins and allergens.
• Maintain exceptional cleanliness of the tandoor station, preparation areas, equipment, refrigeration, and surrounding kitchen.
• Follow established opening, closing, and deep-cleaning procedures.
• Operate the tandoor and related equipment according to company safety procedures.
• Immediately report equipment, ventilation, gas, fire-safety, or maintenance concerns to management.
• Attend briefings, meetings, and training sessions to stay informed about menu offerings, updated protocols, and industry best practices. 
• Report any health & safety issues or faulty equipment promptly for resolution. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum (2) years in a similar position
• Strong knowledge of traditional Indian tandoor cooking techniques.
• Demonstrated experience cooking meats, poultry, seafood, vegetables, kebabs, and breads in a tandoor.
• Strong understanding of Indian spices, marinades, doughs, and regional cooking techniques.
• Experience in a fine-dining, luxury hospitality, or high-volume restaurant environment preferred.
• Ability to maintain quality and consistency during demanding service periods.
• Strong knife skills and food preparation techniques.
• Excellent organization and time-management skills.
• Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and allergen procedures.
• Ability to follow detailed recipes and specifications while maintaining consistency.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that are to be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the essential nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be ALL responsibilities or qualifications of the job.

JKS Restaurants (dba: Ambassadors Clubhouse NYC LLC) is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.