Director of Culinary📣 Job Ad

About the Role

Capella Hotels and Resorts is seeking a Director of Culinary to lead the Culinary Division at Capella Diriyah in Riyadh. This strategic leadership position is a key member of the hotel's Executive Committee, responsible for the continuous enhancement of culinary operations and service excellence across all food and beverage outlets, specialty restaurants, and banquet events. The role requires visionary leadership to uphold Capella's reputation for exceptional dining experiences and drive the division's long-term financial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide inspirational leadership and clear vision to team members, ensuring the delivery of the Capella brand, values, and vision.
• Oversee and manage the daily operations of the Culinary division, ensuring compliance with service standards, departmental policies, and operating procedures.
• Ensure the Department Operational Budget is strictly adhered to and manage annual developments of budget, CAPEX, and manpower planning.
• Coordinate and prepare schedules for F&B functions and activities with other F&B heads to ensure smooth operations.
• Ensure all outlets and banquets are managed efficiently according to established concept statements and adhere to Company and Hotel Policies & Procedures.
• Maintain accurate recipes, conversion recipes, and product specifications.
• Conduct Kitchen meetings to achieve efficiency and inform the team about daily and upcoming events.
• Ensure timely submission of daily order lists and optimal purchasing of food items.
• Participate in the preparation and implementation of the Food & Beverage Annual Marketing Plan.
• Monitor and evaluate the activities and trends of competitive restaurants and hotel banqueting departments.
• Ensure adherence to Health, Hygiene, and Safety guidelines.
• Establish and implement operating standards for the Commissary Kitchen and Stewarding Operations.
• Conduct theoretical, formal, and practical training for all kitchen staff.
• Control food stock effectively by monitoring and managing inventory.
• Handle guest complaints and resolve service issues in a timely manner.
• Analyze guest feedback to continuously improve overall ratings.
• Maintain strong working relationships with other departments.
• Monitor team members' performance and provide feedback for improvements and appraisals.
• Mentor and guide individual team members' growth and identify short-to-long-term goals.
• Participate in recruitment activities and succession planning.
• Plan and schedule rosters according to business levels to optimize resources.
• Perform all tasks within the department and assist in shift coverage when necessary.

Qualifications and Experience

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Management is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as an Executive Chef in a similar role at a luxury hotel/resort.
• 5+ years of progressively responsible work experience in Luxury or Independent Culinary Operations.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge in culinary skills and techniques.
• Ability to co-create F&B concepts with a focus on quality and creativity.
• Competent computing skills, including Microsoft Word.
• Ability to monitor overall performance of culinary operations and provide action planning.
• Capacity to coordinate task forces as needed.
• Exemplary role model demonstrating the Capella Culture and Service Philosophy.
• Flawless, upscale, professional, and high-class guest service delivery.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, at Capella Diriyah. The role requires adherence to the highest culinary and pastry standards within a luxury hotel setting.