Head Chef

Daikan Hospitality Group; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Daikan Hospitality Group is seeking a Head Chef to lead our culinary team in the UAE. You will drive culinary excellence, design innovative menus, and maintain top food quality, hygiene, and guest satisfaction across our Japanese-inspired concepts.

Ideal candidates bring extensive experience in high-volume kitchens, strong leadership, and a passion for presentation. Flexible hours including nights and weekends are required to support restaurant operations.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or similar in a high-volume kitchen.
• Expert knowledge of Japanese cuisine and culinary techniques.
• Strong leadership skills to motivate and manage a diverse team.
• Excellent creativity and passion for food presentation.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Culinary degree or equivalent certification preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage the kitchen staff, creating a positive and productive work environment.
• Design and innovate menus reflecting the restaurant's vision and trends.
• Maintain highest standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff on cooking techniques and safety.
• Oversee kitchen inventory and source quality ingredients while managing costs.
• Ensure efficient operations to guarantee timely meal preparation and service.
• Engage with guests to gather feedback and drive loyalty.
• Uphold health and safety standards in the kitchen.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Japanese cuisine

Menu development

Food safety

Communication

Team motivation

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent certification

Job description

Daikan Hospitality Group brings authentic Japanese dining to the region, built on genuine flavours, exceptional execution, and hospitality that feels personal. From vibrant izakaya dining and handcrafted cocktails to fast-casual ramen concepts, we operate a growing portfolio of Japanese-inspired restaurants across the UAE, with expansion into middle east. We move quickly, maintain high standards, and are committed to creating memorable dining experiences that keep guests coming back.

Head Chef

We are looking for a talented and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary team. The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in Japanese cuisine, proven experience leading high-volume restaurant operations, and the ability to inspire and develop a high-performing kitchen team. You will be responsible for driving culinary excellence, maintaining the highest standards of food quality, consistency, hygiene, and guest satisfaction, while contributing to the continued success and growth of one of the region's leading Japanese restaurant brands.

Key Responsibilities

• Kitchen Leadership: Direct and manage the kitchen staff, creating a positive and productive work environment. Foster a culture of teamwork and cooperation among kitchen personnel.
• Menu Development: Design and innovate menus that reflect the restaurant's vision and culinary trends. Ensure that dishes are fresh, seasonal, and aligned with guest preferences.
• Quality Control: Maintain the highest standards of food quality, presentation, and consistency in line with Daikan's reputation. Monitor and evaluate food preparation processes to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Staff Training and Development: Train and mentor kitchen staff, providing guidance on cooking techniques, food safety, and kitchen management practices. Encourage continuous learning and professional development.
• Inventory Management: Oversee kitchen inventory levels and ensure proper stock rotation. Work closely with suppliers to source quality ingredients and manage food costs effectively.
• Operational Efficiency: Manage kitchen operations to guarantee timely meal preparation and service. Optimize workflows and procedures to enhance efficiency and reduce waste.
• Guest Interaction: Engage with guests to gather feedback and address any concerns proactively. Create memorable culinary experiences that drive customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Hygiene and Safety Compliance: Uphold and implement health and safety standards in the kitchen, ensuring a clean and safe work environment for all staff.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or in a similar role in a high-volume kitchen.
• Expert knowledge of Japanese cuisine and culinary techniques.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team.
• Excellent creativity and passion for food presentation.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Culinary degree or equivalent certification is preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekend