Pizzaiolo (Pizza Chef)

Dough Preparation

• Prepare pizza dough from scratch or according to established recipes, including kneading, rolling, and fermenting.
• Monitor dough for the correct texture, consistency, and flavor.
• Portion and shape dough for pizzas in preparation for baking.

Pizza Creation and Assembly

• Assemble pizzas by spreading sauce, adding toppings such as cheese, meats, vegetables, and herbs.
• Ensure consistency and quality in the placement and amount of ingredients for every pizza.
• Follow recipes or customer-specific orders accurately, including catering to dietary preferences (e.g., gluten-free, vegan, etc.).

Oven Operation and Cooking

• Operate various types of ovens (wood-fired, gas, or electric) to cook pizzas, ensuring they are baked to perfection.
• Monitor cooking times and adjust temperatures as necessary to prevent undercooking or burning.
• Ensure pizzas are cooked evenly, with a perfect balance of crispness and flavor.

Menu Development and Innovation

• Assist in developing new pizza recipes and experimenting with innovative topping combinations.
• Stay updated with pizza trends and create seasonal or specialty pizzas.
• Collaborate with the head chef or management to plan and modify the menu.

Kitchen and Food Safety

• Follow food safety and sanitation standards to keep the kitchen area clean and organized.
• Maintain cleanliness of the pizza preparation station, ovens, and storage areas.
• Ensure all ingredients are fresh and properly stored, and dispose of expired or spoiled items.

Inventory and Supply Management

• Monitor stock levels of key ingredients like flour, yeast, sauce, cheese, and toppings.
• Place orders for ingredients when stock is low, ensuring minimal waste.
• Inspect deliveries of fresh ingredients to ensure quality and freshness.

Customer Service

• Ensure customer satisfaction by preparing pizzas exactly to customer specifications.
• Handle special requests or dietary restrictions with care and precision.
• Occasionally interact with customers, especially in open kitchen settings, to showcase pizza-making techniques or discuss menu options.

Time Management

• Manage multiple pizza orders during peak hours, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of pizzas.
• Coordinate with kitchen staff to ensure all food items are prepared and served together.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with kitchen staff, including line cooks, prep cooks, and servers, to ensure smooth operations.
• Communicate effectively with other chefs or kitchen staff to manage orders and workflow during service.
• Train junior staff or apprentices in the art of pizza-making and proper kitchen procedures.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience working as a Pizzaiolo or similar role in a restaurant or pizzeria.
• Formal culinary education or specialized training in pizza-making is preferred, though not always required.
• Experience in using and maintaining wood-fired, gas, or electric pizza ovens.
• Ability to develop new pizza recipes and creative topping combinations.
• Precision in dough preparation, toppings, and pizza presentation.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure, especially during peak hours.
• Ability to stand for long periods and handle the physical demands of kneading dough, working with heavy ovens, and lifting trays.
• Strong understanding of kitchen hygiene, food safety standards, and sanitation practices.