Head Chef📣 Job Ad

About the Role

Manpower Egypt is seeking a Head Chef and Kitchen Manager for a VVIP client in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This position requires a combination of strong organizational abilities, culinary expertise, and a commitment to high-level personal service. The successful candidate will be responsible for daily meal preparation for principals, guests, and staff, alongside managing kitchen operations including food and beverage procurement and supply. While based in Riyadh, international travel with the principal to the UK, EU, and USA will be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee food and beverage preparation in the Main Kitchen, including specialized items like gluten-free sandwiches, mini-pizzas, and fruit/vegetable platters for principals.
• Ensure strict adherence to gluten-free dietary requirements, preparing such food in a separate area.
• Plan weekly menus and special event menus in collaboration with the Head Waiter and cooks.
• Establish weekly budgets, monitor food costs and waste, and prioritize the use of high-quality, organic ingredients.
• Ensure all food is prepared to principals' specifications and presented to a high standard.
• Organize kitchen staff, including scheduling, shift systems, and workspace allocation.
• Supervise daily, weekly, and monthly workflow tasks and staff duties.
• Manage food and beverage ordering, purchasing, delivery, storage, and inventory in coordination with Head Waiters and the Food Store Supervisor.
• Organize the food and beverage storage system within the Main Store and other designated areas.
• Maintain daily cleanliness and ensure regular deep cleaning of the kitchen to meet all sanitary and hygiene standards.
• Arrange monthly health and safety inspections through the Royal Private Affairs Office.
• Manage the purchasing, maintenance, cleaning, and repair of commercial kitchen appliances and utensils, coordinating with the Estate Manager and House Manager.
• Conduct regular training sessions and kitchen staff meetings to promote high-quality service, communication, and job satisfaction.
• Train staff on proper food preparation techniques, food hygiene, personal hygiene, and kitchen safety practices.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in hotel management, food and beverage service management, or a similar relevant field is required.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in a Chef and Kitchen Manager role, or similar, within a hotel environment is essential.
• Proven organizational, leadership, and time management skills are mandatory.
• A strong passion for food and a commitment to high-quality plate and table presentation are expected.
• Proficiency in using the Internet and Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel) for inventory tracking, ordering, scheduling, and staff management.
• Must possess a professional demeanor, be diplomatic, presentable, honest, loyal, trustworthy, and discreet.
• Excellent personal hygiene and presentation are required at all times.
• Fluent in spoken and written English.
• Some spoken Arabic is advantageous but not essential.

Required Skills

• Culinary Expertise
• Kitchen Management
• Food and Beverage Purchasing
• Organizational Skills
• Personal Service
• Dietary Management (including Gluten-Free)
• Menu Planning
• Budget Planning
• Food Cost Monitoring
• Waste Management
• Inventory Management
• Purchasing
• Storage Management
• Hygiene Standards Enforcement
• Safety Standards Implementation
• Equipment Maintenance
• Staff Training and Development
• Leadership
• Time Management
• Plate Presentation
• Table Presentation
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
• Internet Proficiency
• Professionalism
• Diplomacy
• Honesty
• Loyalty
• Trustworthiness
• Discretion
• Personal Hygiene

Work Environment and Additional Information

This is a full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Candidates must be willing and able to travel internationally with the principal as required. Additional culinary and food safety certifications are highly preferred. The role requires over 10 years of overall experience, with at least 7 years in a similar role.