Head Chef - Modern African Concept, Dubai Pre-Opening

Tanqeeb; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 254,000 - 304,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing allowance

Medical insurance

Work visa sponsorship

Duty meals

Job summary

Tanqeeb is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen of a new modern African restaurant opening in Dubai. This founding culinary leadership role offers creative ownership of the menu, kitchen culture, and pre-opening setup from the ground up.

Based in the UAE, you will design the concept, recruit and train the brigade, manage food cost and safety, and partner with the General Manager and CEO to deliver an exceptional guest experience from day one.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or senior Sous Chef in premium, high-volume restaurants.
• African or African-influenced cuisine preferred.
• Proven ability to manage food cost and wastage.
• Pre-opening kitchen experience is highly advantageous.
• Fluent English and UAE work eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Own concept end-to-end: menu development, costing, specials, and volume consistency.
• Build a modern African-influenced menu and tell its story.
• Refresh menus based on feedback, seasonality, and performance.
• Recruit, train, roster, and retain kitchen brigade; foster a respectful culture.
• Lead pre-opening recruitment and training.
• Drive kitchen profitability: food cost, margins, stock management.
• Ensure HACCP, food safety compliance and audits.
• Collaborate with General Manager on venue direction and events.
• Build relationships with growers and suppliers for provenance.
• Oversee ordering, stock control, and kitchen scheduling.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food costing

Staff training

Pre-opening

Sourcing

HACCP knowledge

English fluency

Team player

Communication

Job description

Tanqeeb is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen of a new modern African restaurant opening in Dubai. This founding culinary leadership role offers creative ownership of the menu, kitchen culture, and pre-opening setup from the ground up.

Based in the UAE, you will design the concept, recruit and train the brigade, manage food cost and safety, and partner with the General Manager and CEO to deliver an exceptional guest experience from day one.