Executive Sous Chef

Role Overview

This senior kitchen leadership position supports the executive culinary team by taking a hands-on role in daily food production while helping manage the broader kitchen operation. The role focuses on delivering consistently high-quality dishes, improving guest and associate satisfaction, and strengthening financial performance across all areas under responsibility. It also includes oversight of kitchen teams, food safety, sanitation, and support functions such as dish room and purchasing where applicable.

Work Details

Job Number: 26076724

Job Category: Food and Beverage & Culinary

Location: PO Box 91888 Al Maqta Area, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Schedule: Full time

Remote: No

Position Type: Management

What You Will Do

• Take charge of daily kitchen operations and provide clear direction to the culinary team.
• Step into other team members’ responsibilities when needed and help fill staffing gaps appropriately.
• Coach, guide, and monitor cooks and other kitchen staff against defined performance standards.
• Lead by example through strong communication, sound judgment, integrity, and collaboration.
• Build trust and teamwork while maintaining fair and consistent application of property policies.
• Review staffing needs to balance guest service, operational demands, and financial goals.
• Maintain open communication channels and encourage employee feedback to address concerns early.
• Coordinate and supervise food preparation teams across all relevant outlets and support areas.
• Introduce staff to new cooking methods, tools, and equipment.
• Develop purchasing and receiving controls that support efficient kitchen operations.
• Set and track goals related to performance, budgets, and team outcomes.
• Promote safety practices and ensure employees understand and follow all safety procedures and codes.
• Keep controllable costs in check, including food, supplies, uniforms, and equipment.
• Support the budgeting process for areas managed by the role.
• Apply brand safety standards and operating expectations consistently.
• Guide menu development and culinary presentation standards.
• Check raw and cooked products to ensure quality, taste, and presentation meet standards.
• Prepare decorative food displays and maintain attractive plating.
• Ensure food handling, sanitation, storage, and temperature controls are followed properly.
• Make sure food handling and sanitation certifications remain current.
• Prepare and cook food for regular service, special guests, and functions as required.
• Deliver elevated service through attentive guest handling and issue resolution.
• Use guest feedback, satisfaction data, and comment reviews to identify improvement areas.
• Train, coach, and evaluate associates and direct report managers to build capability.
• Work with banquet and catering teams on food knowledge and menu composition training.
• Manage progressive discipline and documentation in line with SOPs and local procedures.
• Share information clearly with leaders, peers, and team members through multiple communication channels.
• Analyze situations and results to select practical solutions and resolve problems effectively.

Candidate Profile

The employer is looking for a seasoned culinary professional with strong leadership ability, proven kitchen management experience, and the ability to uphold luxury service standards while balancing quality, efficiency, safety, and team development.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED with 6 years of experience in culinary, food and beverage, or a related professional field; or
• 2-year degree from an accredited university in Culinary Arts, Hotel and Restaurant Management, or a related major, plus 4 years of experience in culinary, food and beverage, or a related professional field.

Standards and Culture

The role supports a workplace that values inclusion, equal opportunity, and respect for diverse backgrounds. The organization emphasizes luxury hospitality, creative service, and the delivery of its service standards, employee promise, credo, and values across every guest interaction.