Head Chef I Middle East I Travel

Roles and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities -

 1.     Operational Oversight:

· Menu planning and development including all dietary requirements in close collaboration with the Head Housekeeper and the family for formal and informal settings.

· Sourcing, ordering and supplier development the finest seasonal and organic ingredients locally and internationally. 

· Co-develop, implement and monitor high quality and high-level SOPs to optimise the day-to-day management of the kitchen, food and beverage service departments and ensure alignment with the current-and long-term objectives of the Chairman & Family. 

· Review expenditures, invoice entries, and other accounting documents for the food and beverage departments in coordination with the Properties Manager.

· Monitor and manage the day-to-day operations of the food and beverage in close coordination with the Head Houskeeper to ensure seamless service delivery.

· Monitor operating expenses, culinary budgets, and oversee the efficient procurement of all goods, materials, equipment and services.

· Create and manage detailed staff work and holiday schedules.

· Coordinating events, guest visits, and daily logistics with the Head Housekeeper, Properties Manager and family to ensure seamless service delivery. 

· Plan, implement and supervise daily and seasonal cleaning schedules for all food and beverage areas.

· Oversee the care and maintenance of equipment, supplies and materials.

· Maintain a safe and secure environment for the family and all staff.

2.     Staff Management -

· Manage, lead, motivate train and oversee the kitchen team of 15 – 20 employees to advance employee engagement, service standards and develop a high-performing low to middle management team. 

· Work closely and coordinate day to day movements with all supervisory staff across the Housekeeping, Administration, Maintenance, Accounting and Logistics departments. 

· Co-develop and oversee all staff training programs in close coordination with the Properties Manager and the family to optimise and elevate the service standards in the household. 

3.     Hygiene Maintenance -

· Implement, train staff and oversee strong International HACCAP Health & Hygiene compliance standards in the kitchen food and beverage service departments.

4.     Logistical Coordination -

· Coordinate day to day food and beverage operational requirements in close collaboration with the Properties Manager, Head Housekeeper and the family for arrivals, departures of the family, their guests, staff, functions and events ensuring that all necessary preparations are made in advance.

5.     Communication and Reporting -

· Provide regular updates and reports to the Properties Manager on the status of staff and departmental activities.

· Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with members of the family. 

· Maintain transparent and continuous communication with the family, all supervisors, and all relevant stakeholders.

· Document all activities, incidents, and feedback for future reference and improvement.

· Strictly always uphold all security and confidential matters.

6.     Crisis Management -

· Co-develop and assist in the implementation of a crisis management plan for any emergencies that may occur in the kitchen and beverage service areas.

· Provide real-time assistance and support in case of any disruptions or emergencies.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications -

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree holder in relevant field or equivalent.

Relevant Experience -

• Minimum 8 years’ experience within high performance kitchens a similar property and/or a 5-star hotel/resort.
• Solid knowledge and repertoire of Mediterranean family style food of Spain, France, Italy etc
• Proven experience in managing large teams in high pressure environments with calm and patience
• Experience managing and training large teams of disparate nationalities.
• Experience in staff training to elevate service standards.
• Solid administration and computer skills (Excel, Word etc)
• Experience interacting with accounting ERP and IT systems such as Oracle NetSuite is a plus.
• Candidates with prior GCC experience will not be considered for this role.
• Candidates preferred with predominantly commercial background and less so in private service.

Competencies -

• Strategic, quick and procedural long term thinker.
• Efficient, self-reliant and proactive.
• Must have aptitude for creative problem solving, analysis and emotional intelligence to effect successful change management.
• Must be process driven with the ability to handle multiple competing priorities effectively with all levels and departments.
• Unquestionable integrity, dependability and confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
• Positive, discrete, confident nature.
• Fluency in English is a must.

Employment Type:

• Full-time, with availability to work flexible hours and the possibility of travel as and when required by the family's schedule.