Sous Chef - UAE

Calo Inc; Dubai; On-site; AED 85,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Calo Inc in Dubai, UAE, is seeking a seasoned Sous Chef to lead daily central kitchen production, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency at scale.

You will work with the Head Chef to manage batch cooking, supervise kitchen sections, enforce recipes and hygiene standards, and mentor staff in a fast-paced, metric-driven environment. This role requires strong English communication and a track record of managing high-volume operations.

Qualifications

• 6–8 years of culinary experience, including at least 2 years as a Sous Chef or a strong Junior Sous Chef.
• Experience in central kitchens, cloud kitchens, catering operations, or high-volume food production environments.
• Strong understanding of batch cooking, meal preparation, and large-scale production operations.
• Culinary degree or equivalent qualification is preferred.
• Currently based in Dubai, UAE.
• Strong communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in managing daily central kitchen operations and production flow.
• Supervise and coordinate kitchen teams across different sections to ensure efficiency and consistency.
• Ensure all meals are prepared, portioned, and packed according to company standards.
• Monitor food quality, portion control, and adherence to standardized recipes.
• Optimize production processes to improve speed, consistency, and cost efficiency.
• Train and mentor kitchen staff on production techniques, hygiene standards, and SOPs.
• Ensure mise en place and batch preparation are completed according to schedule.
• Oversee inventory, stock levels, ordering, and waste control.
• Maintain strict compliance with hygiene, sanitation, and food safety standards.
• Step in to lead kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef.
• Foster a structured, disciplined, and positive team environment.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Quality control

Batch cooking

Time management

Food safety knowledge

Menu planning

Inventory management

Team leadership

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

About Calo: Launched in Bahrain in November 2019, Calo is on a mission to make healthy easy. We’re a team of dedicated individuals driving this mission by providing better, faster, and more affordable access to food through technology.

Role Overview

We are looking for a Sous Chef to join our Central Kitchen team in Dubai, UAE. The Sous Chef will work closely with the Head Chef to oversee daily production operations, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and high food quality at scale. This role is ideal for someone with strong experience in high-volume production kitchens, meal preparation, and process-driven environments.

Main Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in managing daily central kitchen operations and production flow
• Supervise and coordinate kitchen teams across different sections to ensure efficiency and consistency
• Ensure all meals are prepared, portioned, and packed according to company standards
• Monitor food quality, portion control, and adherence to standardized recipes
• Optimize production processes to improve speed, consistency, and cost efficiency
• Train and mentor kitchen staff on production techniques, hygiene standards, and SOPs
• Ensure mise en place and batch preparation are completed according to schedule
• Oversee inventory, stock levels, ordering, and waste control
• Maintain strict compliance with hygiene, sanitation, and food safety standards
• Step in to lead kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef
• Foster a structured, disciplined, and positive team environment

Qualifications

• 6–8 years of culinary experience, including at least 2 years as a Sous Chef or a strong Junior Sous Chef
• Experience in central kitchens, cloud kitchens, catering operations, or high-volume food production environments
• Strong understanding of batch cooking, meal preparation, and large-scale production operations
• Culinary degree or equivalent qualification is preferred
• Currently based in Dubai, UAE
• Strong communication skills in English

Knowledge & Competencies

• Proven ability to manage high-volume kitchen operations under pressure
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and production standards
• Experience in menu planning, costing, and portion control at scale
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Familiarity with kitchen systems, inventory management, and reporting tools
• Ability to lead and develop kitchen teams effectively

Personality & Attributes

• Calm, structured, and process-driven leader
• Detail-oriented with a focus on consistency and efficiency
• Strong communicator and team leader
• Passionate about food quality and operational excellence
• Proactive, disciplined, and solutions-oriented mindset
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment