Sous Chef

Meals on Me; Dubai; On-site; AED 201,000 - 312,000; Full time

Job summary

Meals on Me, a UAE-based brand, is seeking an experienced Sous Chef for JAWW Spot in Abu Dhabi. The role focuses on Emirati and Arabic cuisine, leading a hands-on kitchen team and delivering high-quality, consistent dishes.

The successful candidate will manage daily kitchen operations, mentor junior staff, and work closely with management to maintain food quality and cost controls, with opportunities to progress to Head Chef. UAE experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of professional kitchen experience at Sous Chef level.
• Strong experience in Emirati/Arabic cuisine is essential.
• Proven leadership and training capabilities.
• Ability to manage kitchen operations and food costs.
• UAE experience preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for day-to-day kitchen operation with Head Chef and General Manager.
• Be hands-on during service and lead the kitchen team by example.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented to JAWW Spot standards.
• Maintain consistency in taste, portioning, presentation and quality.
• Take charge in the Head Chef's absence.
• Ensure smooth communication between kitchen and front-of-house teams.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety.
• Demonstrate strong practical knowledge of Emirati cuisine and traditional Arabic cooking.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Communication

Emirati cuisine

Cost control

Kitchen operations

Job description

Company Description

Meals on Me is a UAE-based food brand recognized by BBC Good Food as the country’s Best Diet-Friendly Brand. The company specializes in nutrient-dense meals made without GMOs, additives, or preservatives, focusing on pure, wholesome nutrition. With over 2,000,000 meals served to 70 nationalities across the UAE, Meals on Me supports a diverse customer base seeking convenient healthy options. The team is dedicated to making effortless healthy eating accessible through thoughtfully designed meal plans and high-quality ingredients.

SOUS CHEF – JAWW SPOT RESTAURANT

Department: Culinary / Kitchen Operations

Reports To: Head Chef / General Manager

Gender: Male or Female

POSITION OVERVIEW

JAWW Spot is seeking an experienced, hands‑on Sous Chef to join our Abu Dhabi restaurant and play a key role in developing and executing our culinary offering, with a particular focus on Emirati and broader Arabic cuisine.

The ideal candidate will be a strong kitchen operator who is equally comfortable cooking, leading a team, managing daily kitchen operations, maintaining food quality and consistency, and controlling costs. This is a hands‑on leadership position for someone who wants to take the next step in their career and has the ambition and ability to progress into a Head Chef role.

The successful candidate must have a genuine understanding of Emirati cuisine, traditional Arabic flavors, ingredients and cooking techniques, while also being capable of delivering the cuisine in a contemporary, refined restaurant environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Take responsibility for the day‑to‑day operation of the kitchen in conjunction with the Head Chef and General Manager.
• Be hands‑on during service and lead the kitchen team by example.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented to the required JAWW Spot standards.
• Maintain consistency in taste, portioning, presentation and quality.
• Take charge of the kitchen in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Ensure smooth and efficient communication between the kitchen and front‑of‑house teams.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, hygiene, organization and food safety.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is properly maintained and used correctly.
• Demonstrate strong practical knowledge of Emirati cuisine and traditional Arabic cooking.
• Understand traditional Emirati ingredients, recipes, techniques and flavor profiles.
• Be capable of executing authentic dishes while contributing to their modern presentation and refinement.
• Work with the Head Chef and management team on menu development, recipe refinement and seasonal offerings.
• Bring ideas and creativity to the development of JAWW Spot's culinary identity.

Team Management & Training

• Lead, coach and develop the kitchen team.
• Train junior chefs and kitchen staff on recipes, preparation, cooking techniques, presentation and hygiene.
• Establish clear standards and ensure they are consistently followed.
• Assist with recruitment, onboarding and evaluation of kitchen staff.
• Prepare and manage kitchen staff schedules in coordination with management.
• Maintain discipline, professionalism and positive morale within the kitchen.
• Identify training needs and help develop team members for future advancement.
• Manage daily and weekly inventory procedures.
• Monitor stock levels and ensure appropriate ordering of food and kitchen supplies.
• Prepare and submit purchase orders in accordance with approved par levels.
• Minimize waste, overproduction, spoilage and unnecessary purchasing.
• Monitor portion control and recipe compliance.
• Work closely with management to maintain target food cost percentages.
• Conduct regular stock counts and investigate variances.
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, rotation and FIFO procedures.
• Monitor supplier quality and report any issues to management.

Food Quality & Food Safety

• Maintain strict HACCP and UAE food safety standards.
• Ensure correct temperature control, storage and handling procedures.
• Monitor expiry dates and product quality.
• Maintain clean, organized and inspection‑ready kitchen areas at all times.
• Ensure all recipes and preparation procedures are followed accurately.
• Conduct regular quality checks before and during service.

SERVICE EXPECTATIONS

The successful candidate must be able to perform effectively in a busy restaurant environment and remain calm and organized under pressure.

They should be:

• Highly hands‑on and willing to work on the line.
• Fast, organized and disciplined during service.
• Detail‑oriented with a strong eye for quality.
• Capable of managing multiple kitchen sections and priorities.
• Comfortable taking responsibility and making decisions.
• Able to communicate clearly with both kitchen and management teams.
• Focused on delivering a consistently high‑quality guest experience.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 3–5 years of professional kitchen experience, with relevant experience at Sous Chef or senior Chef de Partie level.
• Strong experience in Emirati and/or Arabic cuisine is essential.
• Proven experience leading and training kitchen teams.
• Demonstrated understanding of food cost, inventory, ordering and waste management.
• Experience preparing staff schedules and managing kitchen labor.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of kitchen operations.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Experience in a quality restaurant environment is preferred.
• UAE experience is preferred but not essential for the right candidate.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are looking for someone who sees the Sous Chef position as a career opportunity rather than simply a job.

The successful candidate should have the ambition, leadership ability and culinary knowledge to develop into the Head Chef of JAWW Spot as the restaurant grows.

We are particularly interested in someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for Emirati and Arabic cuisine.
• Takes pride in producing excellent food consistently.
• Is a natural leader who earns the respect of their team.
• Is commercially minded and understands the relationship between quality, food cost and profitability.
• Is willing to learn and continuously improve.
• Can eventually take full ownership of the kitchen operation.
• Wants to grow with the restaurant and take on increased responsibility.

COMPENSATION

The position offers a clear opportunity for career progression toward Head Chef, subject to performance, leadership development and the successful achievement of operational and culinary standards.

APPLICATION

Candidates should submit a CV demonstrating relevant culinary experience, particularly experience with Emirati and Arabic cuisine, kitchen leadership and restaurant operations.

JAWW Spot is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from both male and female candidates are welcomed.