Cluster Director of Culinary at InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay

Cluster Director of Culinary at InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay

Do you have a passion for creating unforgettable experiences for others? If so, we invite you to embark on a career journey like no other at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG).

InterContinental Residences Dubai Business Bay is nestled in the heart of Dubai's bustling business district, providing a sanctuary of tranquillity amidst the city's vibrant landmarks. Located just a short distance from the outstanding Dubai Mall and the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa, the hotel strives to provide the epitome of luxury and lifestyle filled with elegance and sophistication.

With the combination of 176 meticulously designed rooms, each offering unparalleled comfort and style, guests will be immersed in a world of grandeur. If you’d like to embrace a wider world of experiences and opportunities, we’d like to welcome you to join the team as Cluster Director of Culinary and let us help you create a career journey like no other.

As a professional in your role, your responsibilities and essential job functions will include but are not limited to:

• Oversee Culinary Operations for Two Luxury Properties: Lead and manage the culinary operations across multiple outlets (restaurants, bars, in-room dining, banquets) for two luxury hotels, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, service, and guest satisfaction at all times.
• Operational Management: Ensure the efficient day-to-day operations of all culinary outlets in both luxury properties, maintaining consistency, excellence, and a world-class dining experience across all service areas.
• Menu Development and Innovation: Create and innovate culinary concepts and seasonal menus that align with the luxury brand identity of both properties. Ensure diverse and high-quality offerings that meet the expectations of an upscale clientele.
• Financial Oversight and Cost Control: Monitor food and labor costs for both properties, collaborating with the finance team to meet budgetary targets while maintaining the quality and standards expected in luxury properties. Optimize cost-efficiency without compromising the guest experience.
• Team Leadership and Staff Development: Lead and mentor culinary teams across both properties, providing ongoing training, development opportunities, and performance feedback. Foster a culture of teamwork, creativity, and excellence in all kitchen operations.
• Standardization and Consistency: Develop and implement standard operating procedures for all culinary operations to ensure consistent delivery of top-tier quality across all outlets at both properties. Conduct regular inspections and audits to monitor adherence to these standards.
• Hygiene and Food Safety Standards: Maintain and ensure the highest standards of hygiene and food safety in all culinary operations. Implement stringent sanitation protocols and food safety procedures to ensure a safe environment for both staff and guests. Ensure compliance with local and international health regulations.
• Pre-Opening Expertise: Oversee the culinary operations of pre-opening property within the cluster, including the design and setup of kitchens, recruitment of culinary staff, menu creation, and establishment of operational procedures to ensure a smooth and successful opening.
• Vendor and Supplier Management: Manage relationships with suppliers for both properties, ensuring the timely delivery of high-quality ingredients at competitive prices. Ensure proper inventory management to optimize cost control and minimize waste.
• Health, Safety, and Compliance: Ensure compliance with local and international food safety, health, and sanitation regulations. Maintain impeccable cleanliness and safety standards across all kitchens and dining areas.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with other departments, including front-of-house, events, and sales, to ensure seamless coordination and an exceptional guest experience across both properties.
• Culinary Events and Promotions: Plan and execute high-profile culinary events, seasonal promotions, and special dining experiences that enhance the properties' reputation, attract new guests, and align with brand values.
• Performance Reporting and Strategy: Regularly report to senior management on culinary performance, including financial results, guest feedback, and operational challenges. Contribute to strategic planning for the continued growth and success of the culinary operations across both properties.
• Guest Experience: Ensure a premium, unforgettable dining experience for guests by maintaining the highest standards of culinary excellence, service, and presentation at all times.

Ideally, you should possess some or all the following qualifications and experience:

• Experience: Proven experience as a Director of Culinary or in a senior culinary leadership role within luxury hotels, overseeing multiple outlets across two or more properties. Experience in handling both operational properties and pre-opening properties is essential.
• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or a related field (preferred). Additional certifications in food safety and hospitality management are a plus.
• Luxury Property Experience: Extensive experience in managing culinary operations at luxury hotels, understanding the high standards of quality, guest experience, and brand image required in a luxury setting.
• Pre-Opening Expertise: Experience in managing pre-opening culinary operations, including kitchen design, staff recruitment, menu development, and establishing operational systems for new properties.
• Leadership and Team Management: Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage, motivate, and mentor culinary teams across multiple locations. Proven ability to build cohesive teams focused on delivering excellence.
• Culinary Expertise: Advanced knowledge in various culinary techniques, trends, and innovative menu creation. Ability to adapt and develop diverse menus that cater to high-end tastes while maintaining consistent quality.
• Financial Acumen: Extensive experience in managing budgets, controlling food and labor costs, and optimizing profitability across multiple outlets in luxury properties.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with senior management, staff, suppliers, and external stakeholders.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to oversee operations at multiple properties simultaneously while ensuring high standards are maintained across the board.
• Hygiene and Safety Knowledge: In-depth knowledge of food hygiene standards, sanitation protocols, and health regulations. Proven ability to maintain and enforce food safety and cleanliness protocols across all properties.
• Health and Safety Compliance: In-depth knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and health regulations. Experience ensuring compliance with local and international standards across multiple properties.
• Languages: Multilingual skills are an advantage, particularly in regions with diverse guest profiles.

In return we'll give you a competitive financial and benefits package and the chance to work with a great team of people. Most importantly, we'll give you Room to be yourself.

Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams where we celebrate differences and encourage colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance. Always welcoming diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

IHG gives every member of the team the room they need to belong, grow, and make a difference in a collaborative environment. We are committed to supporting wellbeing in your health, lifestyle, and workplace.

We are an equal opportunities employer.