Mangal Chef / Grill Chef (Open-Fire Cook)

Mangal Chef / Grill Chef (Open-Fire Cook)

CLAY Bali — Ubud

CLAY Bali is a new premium restaurant and lounge opening in Ubud. Our concept is inspired by the Silk Road, fire, earth, warm hospitality, tea, and long evenings around the table.

Our kitchen combines Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Silk Road culinary traditions, with a strong focus on authentic flavors, traditional cooking techniques, and open-fire cooking.

Fire is at the heart of our culinary concept. Our kitchen features a traditional mangal grill, tandoor, wood-fired oven, and kazan, allowing us to prepare dishes using authentic cooking methods.

We are looking for an experienced, disciplined, and passionate Mangal Chef / Grill Chef who understands charcoal cooking, temperature control, and the art of preparing food over an open flame.

The ideal candidate has practical experience working with charcoal grills, meat, poultry, vegetables, and traditional grilling techniques.

Main Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook dishes using a traditional mangal grill and charcoal fire.

• Control charcoal heat, fire intensity, and cooking temperatures.

• Prepare and grill meat, poultry, fish, seafood, and vegetables.

• Ensure consistent cooking quality, flavor, texture, and presentation.

• Follow approved recipes, technical cards, and portion specifications.

• Monitor cooking times and internal food temperatures.

• Prepare ingredients, marinades, and daily mise en place.

• Properly prepare, light, and maintain charcoal throughout service.

• Manage different heat zones for efficient grilling.

• Ensure correct doneness according to restaurant standards and guest preferences.

• Maintain consistent quality during busy service periods.

• Coordinate cooking times with other kitchen stations.

• Ensure dishes are ready according to service timing standards.

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the grill station.

• Follow food safety and hygiene standards.

• Properly handle and store raw meat, poultry, seafood, and vegetables.

• Prevent cross-contamination between raw and cooked products.

• Monitor ingredient quality, freshness, and storage conditions.

• Minimize food waste and maintain portion control.

• Properly clean and maintain the mangal grill and related equipment.

• Follow fire safety procedures when working with charcoal and open flames.

• Report equipment problems and maintenance requirements to the Head Chef.

• Participate in daily kitchen preparation, cleaning, and closing procedures.

• Support recipe testing and development of new grilled dishes.

• Work closely with the Head Chef and kitchen team to maintain high culinary standards.

Key Requirements

• Previous experience as a Mangal Chef, Grill Chef, BBQ Chef, or Open-Fire Cook.

• Practical experience working with charcoal grills or traditional mangal equipment.

• Experience in premium restaurants, hotels, or professional grill kitchens is a strong advantage.

• Strong knowledge of charcoal cooking techniques.

• Understanding of fire management and temperature control.

• Experience preparing different types and cuts of meat.

• Knowledge of meat doneness levels and cooking temperatures.

• Experience grilling poultry, fish, seafood, and vegetables.

• Understanding of marinades, seasoning, and grilling preparation.

• Ability to maintain consistent cooking quality during busy service periods.

• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and proper handling of raw ingredients.

• Ability to follow recipes and technical cards accurately.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Good time-management and organizational skills.

• Ability to work efficiently under pressure.

• Understanding of kitchen teamwork and service coordination.

• Responsible, disciplined, punctual, and hardworking.

• Willingness to learn new cooking techniques and restaurant standards.

• Basic English communication skills are an advantage.

• Fluent Bahasa Indonesia.

• Flexible and comfortable working shifts, weekends, and public holidays.

• Based in Bali or ready to work in Ubud.

The Right Candidate

We are looking for someone who:

• genuinely enjoys working with charcoal and open fire;

• understands how to control heat and cooking intensity;

• knows how to achieve the correct doneness without compromising food quality;

• takes pride in preparing perfectly grilled dishes;

• respects traditional cooking methods;

• pays attention to flavor, texture, temperature, and presentation;

• works cleanly and efficiently;

• maintains a well-organized grill station;

• understands the importance of preparation before service;

• remains calm and focused during busy periods;

• communicates effectively with the kitchen team;

• follows instructions from the Head Chef;

• respects ingredients and minimizes food waste;

• takes responsibility for equipment and fire safety;

• is motivated to improve their professional cooking skills.

Open-Fire Cooking Philosophy

At CLAY Bali, fire is not simply a cooking method — it is one of the main elements of our culinary identity.

Our approach to mangal cooking is based on:

• Fire Control — understanding charcoal, heat zones, and cooking intensity.

• Precision — achieving the correct doneness, temperature, and texture.

• Flavor — creating authentic smoky flavors through traditional cooking techniques.

• Consistency — maintaining the same high quality for every guest.

• Craftsmanship — respecting the skills and techniques behind open-fire cooking.

• Quality Ingredients — working carefully with meat, seafood, vegetables, and marinades.

• Safety — maintaining proper fire safety and food hygiene standards.

• Teamwork — coordinating with other kitchen stations to deliver dishes on time.

We want our guests to experience the unique character of food prepared over real fire.

Reporting Line

The Mangal Chef / Grill Chef will report to the Head Chef / Sous Chef and work closely with:

• Head Chef;

• Sous Chef;

• Chef de Partie;

• Hot Kitchen Team;

• Preparation Team;

• Stewarding Team;

• Restaurant Manager;

• Service Team.

Main Result of the Position

Every grilled dish should:

• be prepared according to approved recipes and technical cards;

• have the correct doneness, temperature, and texture;

• deliver authentic charcoal-grilled flavor;

• maintain consistent portion sizes and presentation;

• be prepared within established service times;

• meet restaurant food safety and quality standards;

• reflect the culinary identity of CLAY Bali.

The grill station should:

• be fully prepared before each service;

• maintain proper charcoal and heat management;

• operate efficiently during busy periods;

• remain clean, safe, and organized;

• minimize ingredient waste;

• support smooth coordination with the rest of the kitchen.

Our goal is not simply to grill food — it is to master fire and create exceptional dishes that represent the authentic open-fire cooking philosophy of CLAY Bali.

To Apply

Please send:

• your updated CV;

• a recent photo;

• your current location;

• your previous experience working with charcoal grills, mangal, or BBQ equipment;

• types of meat and dishes you have experience preparing;

• your previous restaurant or kitchen experience;

• languages you speak;

• your expected salary;

• your earliest possible starting date.

Work location: Ubud, Bali
Employment type: Full-time
Position: Mangal Chef / Grill Chef (Open-Fire Cook)
Company: CLAY Bali