Pre-Opening Head Chef, Italian (Dubai)

Mise En Place Talent Limited; Dubai; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality group in Dubai is seeking a Pre-Opening Head Chef for their new Neo-Napoletana pizzeria. The ideal candidate will have extensive culinary experience in high-volume restaurants and a strong background in Italian cuisine. Responsibilities include leading the culinary team, enhancing customer experience, and driving revenue. This position offers a competitive salary package, along with relocation support and visa sponsorship.

Benefits

Relocation support

Visa sponsorship

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years culinary experience in reputable restaurants.
• Minimum 3 years leading a culinary team of 10+.
• Knowledge of handmade pastas and Neapolitan pizza techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary team to produce excellent food.
• Train a high-performing culinary team.
• Identify opportunities to maximize revenue.

Skills

Culinary experience in high-volume restaurants

Leadership experience

Italian and Mediterranean cuisine knowledge

Problem-solving skills

Coaching and mentoring skills

Customer experience focus

Flexibility and adaptability

Job description

Our partner is a prolific hospitality group with award-winning, thought-provoking venues that range from Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants to casual neighbourhood gems. They have a successful track record of creating unique concepts, delivering exceptional experiences, and telling powerful stories through food and design.

As the group embarks on their exciting journey towards international expansion, they are now on the lookout for a Pre-Opening Head Chef based in Dubai for their all-day Neo-Napoletana pizzeria inspired by the animated and colourful streets of Napoli. The menu will showcase the bold flavours and ingredients that Naples is well-known for, whilst pushing the boundaries of tradition.

The main responsibilities include:

• Leading and directing the culinary team to produce consistently excellent food that guests will love and return for;
• Building and training a high performing culinary team who takes pride in their work and consistently strive for excellence;
• Positioning the restaurant at the forefront of the dining scene;
• Identifying and actioning on opportunities to generate and maximise revenue;
• Consistently setting and achieving food cost and feedback targets;
• Fostering a work environment that embraces open communication and transparency;
• Collaborating closely with the FOH and back office teams on seasonal or adhoc projects;
• Maintaining close communication with the owners and Group Executive Chef, providing ongoing detailed updates on the business.

We seek candidates who have:

• A minimum of 5 years of culinary experience in high-volume, reputable restaurants, with pre-opening experience as a plus;
• A minimum of 3 years experience leading a team of 10 or more;
• An intimate knowledge of Italian and/or Mediterranean cuisine, in particular handmade pastas and Neapolitan pizza techniques;
• In-depth knowledge on kitchen processes, policies, technologies, and best hygiene practices;
• Exceptional analytical and proactive problem-solving skills;
• Excellent coaching, training, and mentoring skills;
• A strong focus on customer experience, ability to engage guests;
• A highly resourceful, efficient, and action-orientated working style, driving results while focusing on metrics;
• A high level of flexibility and adaptability to adjust to the changes and priorities of management.

What’s on the table:

• Working closely with a fast-growing international group with over 40++ venues in their portfolio;
• Opportunity to join a pre-opening team for their first venue in the Middle East;
• Ability to grow within the company as they continue to expand within the region.
  
  

The salary package is competitive and includes relocation support and visa sponsorship for applicable candidates.