Executive Chef - Lebanese Cuisine

Independent Food; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A UAE-based hospitality group is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead overall culinary operations. The ideal candidate will ensure exceptional food quality, manage the culinary team, and drive menu innovation. Responsibilities include maintaining high standards of food quality, cost control, and compliance with safety regulations. Candidates should have experience in high-volume dining environments, strong leadership skills, and a culinary degree is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef in a high-volume or premium dining environment.
• Strong leadership, menu development, and organizational skills.
• Deep understanding of food safety, kitchen operations, and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations, ensuring smooth daily workflow.
• Develop, update, and innovate menus in line with brand standards.
• Monitor inventory, ordering, and cost control to achieve optimal food cost targets.
• Ensure strict compliance with hygiene, safety, and sanitation regulations (HACCP).
• Coordinate with management to deliver exceptional guest satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Cost control

Pressure management

Education

Culinary degree or relevant certification

Job description

Driven by a passion for creating unique home-grown food concepts, the Independent Food Company is a UAE-based hospitality group behind the region’s most beloved brands – SALT, Parker’s, Somewhere, Public, Kumo, and Shalwa. Each concept is a testament to our commitment to innovative experiences, community connection, and high standards of service.

We are seeking an experienced Executive Chef to join our talented back‑of‑house teams. In this role, you will lead the overall culinary operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistent standards, and innovative menu development. You will oversee daily kitchen activities, manage and mentor the culinary team, maintain food safety and hygiene standards, and ensure efficient cost control across all sections. The Executive Chef will collaborate closely with management to create memorable dining experiences, uphold brand guidelines, and drive continuous improvement in kitchen performance and guest satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations, ensuring smooth daily workflow.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, portion control, and consistency across all dishes.
• Develop, update, and innovate menus in line with brand standards.
• Train, mentor, and supervise the culinary team to ensure strong performance and growth.
• Monitor inventory, ordering, and cost control to achieve optimal food cost targets.
• Ensure strict compliance with hygiene, safety, and sanitation regulations (HACCP).
• Coordinate with management to deliver exceptional guest satisfaction.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, and performance evaluations within the kitchen.
• Ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of all kitchen equipment and workstations.

Requirements

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef in a high-volume or premium dining environment.
• Strong leadership, menu development, and organizational skills.
• Deep understanding of food safety, kitchen operations, and cost control.
• Ability to work under pressure and maintain consistency during busy operations.
• Culinary degree or relevant certification is an advantage.

Cuisine: Lebanese

If you’re passionate about food and ready to grow with a dynamic hospitality group, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply with your CV.