Head Chef

"BD SELECT"; Dubai; On-site; AED 120,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

BD SELECT in Dubai is seeking a talented Chef with a strong pastry background to join our culinary team. The ideal candidate has built their craft in 4- and 5-star hotels and will lead pastry production, desserts, viennoiserie, breads and plated desserts to the highest standards.

You will contribute across the kitchen while supervising junior chefs, maintaining strict quality, portion control and presentation, and driving innovative dessert concepts for menus, buffets and events.

Qualifications

• Proven pastry-focused chef with strong dessert and bakery technique.
• Experience in 4- or 5-star hotels in Dubai or GCC.
• Knowledge of HACCP and food safety standards.
• Ability to lead pastry production and train junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead pastry production across desserts, viennoiserie, and breads to 5-star standards.
• Develop new dessert concepts for menus, buffets, and events.
• Ensure quality, portion control, and presentation consistency.
• Coordinate with kitchen and F&B teams for timely production.
• Train and supervise commis and junior pastry chefs.
• Manage inventory and cost control to minimise waste.
• Maintain hygiene and health & safety compliance.

Skills

Pastry expertise

Leadership & training

Menu development

Quality control

English communication

Education

Culinary qualification / diploma

Job description

About the Role

We are looking for a talented Chef with a strong background in pastry to join our team in Dubai. The ideal candidate is a well-rounded chef who has built their craft in 4- and 5-star hotels and brings particular strength and creativity in pastry, desserts, and baked goods. You will contribute across the kitchen while taking the lead on pastry production, ensuring the highest standards of quality and presentation. Central-kitchen experience is a strong plus.

Key Responsibilities

• Work across the kitchen with a lead role in pastry, preparing and presenting pastries, desserts, viennoiserie, breads, and plated desserts to 5-star standards.
• Ensure consistent quality, taste, texture, presentation, and portion control across all dishes.
• Develop and innovate new dessert and pastry concepts for menus, buffets, and special events.
• Support daily kitchen operations and step in across sections as needed.
• Train, supervise, and motivate commis and junior chefs, particularly in pastry techniques.
• Manage ordering, stock, and inventory of ingredients to control costs and minimise waste.
• Ensure strict compliance with food safety, hygiene, and HACCP standards at all times.
• Coordinate with the wider kitchen and F&B teams to deliver timely production for outlets, banquets, and events.
• Maintain a clean, organised workspace and follow all health & safety procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Culinary background: Proven experience as a chef with a strong specialisation and track record in pastry.
• Hotel experience: Solid experience working in 4- and/or 5-star hotels.
• Technical skills: Excellent knowledge of pastry, desserts, chocolate, viennoiserie, and bakery techniques, plus general kitchen skills.
• Cuisine style: Experience in European or Arabic cuisine style.
• Education: Culinary qualification / diploma (or equivalent professional experience).
• Language: Good command of English.
• Hygiene: Strong understanding of food safety and HACCP standards.
• Experience in a central / production kitchen (a strong plus).
• Experience with large-volume production for multiple outlets or events.

• Knowledge of modern plating, trends, and international pastry styles.
• Previous experience in the UAE or GCC market.
• Creativity and passion for food and pastry, with strong attention to detail.
• Consistency and the ability to deliver quality under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Versatility to work across kitchen sections while leading on pastry.
• Strong organisation, time-management, and leadership skills.
• Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, and holidays as required in hospitality.