Head Chef

Lifco Trading Co. LLC; Sharjah; On-site; AED 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Lifco Trading Co. LLC in the United Arab Emirates seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead kitchen operations, overseeing food preparation, staff management, and menu development.

You will ensure high culinary standards, control costs, and maintain strict HACCP and hygiene compliance. The role requires 5–8 years in a Head Chef or Exec Chef capacity within hotels, restaurants, or catering, with strong expertise across Arabic, International, and Asian cuisines.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–8 years experience as Head Chef/Executive Chef in hotel, restaurant or catering.
• Strong expertise in Arabic, International, and Asian cuisines.
• Proven leadership of kitchen teams and menu development.
• Excellent menu planning, recipe development and food presentation.
• Knowledge of food cost control, inventory and budgeting.
• Understanding of HACCP, food safety and hygiene standards.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced, high‑volume kitchen.
• UAE/GCC experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all daily kitchen operations.
• Plan, develop, and update menus based on customer preferences and seasonal ingredients.
• Prepare and supervise high‑quality dishes with consistent presentation.
• Lead, train, schedule, and motivate the kitchen team.
• Coordinate with restaurant management to ensure smooth service operations.
• Monitor food quality, portion control, and presentation standards.
• Control food costs, minimize waste, and manage kitchen budgets.
• Order, receive, and maintain inventory of food and kitchen supplies.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and HACCP standards.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen.
• Handle customer feedback related to food quality and implement improvements.
• Develop new recipes and innovative menu items.
• Ensure kitchen equipment is properly maintained and operational.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Menu planning

Food cost control

Food safety & HACCP

Staff training

Quality presentation

Cuisine expertise (Arabic/Intl/Asian)

Leadership & communication

Education

Culinary degree or chef certification

Job description

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations. The ideal candidate will oversee food preparation, maintain high culinary standards, manage kitchen staff, control food costs, and ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage all daily kitchen operations.
• Plan, develop, and update menus based on customer preferences and seasonal ingredients.
• Prepare and supervise the preparation of high-quality dishes with consistent presentation.
• Lead, train, schedule, and motivate the kitchen team.
• Ensure expertise in Arabic, International, and Asian cuisines.
• Monitor food quality, portion control, and presentation standards.
• Control food costs, minimize waste, and manage kitchen budgets.
• Order, receive, and maintain inventory of food and kitchen supplies.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and HACCP standards.
• Coordinate with restaurant management to ensure smooth service operations.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen at all times.
• Handle customer feedback related to food quality and implement improvements.
• Develop new recipes and introduce innovative menu items.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is properly maintained and operational.
• Monitor staff performance and provide coaching and training as needed.
• Ensure timely food preparation and delivery during busy service periods.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–8 years of experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in a hotel, restaurant, or catering environment.
• Strong expertise in Arabic, International, and Asian cuisines.
• Proven experience in leading and managing a kitchen team.
• Excellent menu planning, recipe development, and food presentation skills.
• Strong knowledge of food cost control, inventory management, and kitchen budgeting.
• Good understanding of HACCP, food safety, and hygiene standards.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced, high‑volume kitchen.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Culinary degree or professional chef certification is preferred.
• UAE/GCC experience is an added advantage.
• Immediate joiners are preferred.