Chef de Cuisine - ISTANA, Malaysian Cuisine (Pre Opening) - Waldorf Astoria

Hilton Worldwide, Inc.; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 20,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality company in Kuala Lumpur is looking for an accomplished Chef de Cuisine to oversee culinary operations at Waldorf Astoria. You will lead a team to deliver exceptional dining experiences while designing innovative menus. The ideal candidate possesses a Bachelor's degree, significant chef experience in upscale establishments, and strong leadership skills. If you are passionate about culinary excellence and team development, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits

Employee discounts

Career growth opportunities

Health insurance

Qualifications

• Proven leadership as a Chef de Cuisine or Head Chef in upscale restaurants.
• Experience in restaurant pre-openings is advantageous.
• Fluency in English is essential; additional languages are a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations and ensure exceptional cuisine.
• Design and execute menus that reflect contemporary trends.
• Oversee kitchen operations, ensuring food quality and safety.

Skills

Culinary expertise

Leadership

Menu development

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hospitality Management or Culinary Arts

Tools

HACCP food safety qualification

Job description

Chef de Cuisine - ISTANA, Malaysian Cuisine (Pre Opening) – Waldorf Astoria

Job Number:

HOT0C644

Work Locations

Waldorf Astoria Kuala Lumpur 73, Jalan Raja Chulan, Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur 50200

With thousands of hotels in over 100 countries and territories, Hilton offers countless opportunities to delight. From an open door to a welcoming smile and an exceptional experience, we offer the millions of travellers who stay with us every year a welcome they will never forget. In addition to our flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the family of brands includes Waldorf Astoria, LXR, Conrad, Canopy, Curio Collection, DoubleTree, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton and many others.

Are you a passionate culinary professional ready to lead and shape a high‑performing team?

We’re seeking an accomplished Chef de Cuisine for ISTANA (all‑day dining, in‑suite dining, lounge dining), to oversee culinary operations, foster a culture of excellence, and drive innovation in every dish. In this leadership role, you’ll guide a skilled brigade, develop inspiring menus, and ensure each plate reflects the highest standards of quality and creativity. Whether your style is rooted in tradition or embraces modern techniques, we welcome your unique perspective and commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences.

What will I be doing?

• Culinary Excellence & Innovation
  • Provide strategic leadership to the culinary team in crafting and delivering exceptional cuisine that exemplifies innovation, freshness, and well‑balanced flavor profiles.
  • Design and execute thoughtfully crafted menus that align with contemporary culinary trends, incorporating innovative techniques to enhance the overall dining experience.
  • Ensure meticulous execution of recipes and plating standards, maintaining consistency, excellence, and refined presentation aesthetics.
  • Partner with the Marketing and Operations teams to drive and support promotional initiatives, including curated tastings, signature events, and strategic content development.
  • Oversee all aspects of daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, procurement, inventory control, and cost management.
  • Ensure consistent product quality, precise portioning, and optimal ingredient usage to enhance operational efficiency and maximize profitability.
  • Ensure full compliance with food safety standards, including HACCP protocols and local health regulations.
  • Collaborate with engineering and stewarding teams to ensure optimal kitchen functionality, hygiene standards, and equipment performance.
  • Provide strategic leadership and mentorship to the culinary brigade, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Implement comprehensive training programs to uphold high standards in culinary execution, hygiene, and food safety.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training materials to ensure consistency and excellence in operational execution.
• Guest Experience & Collaboration
  • Partner effectively with front‑of‑house and beverage teams to deliver seamless, personalized, and memorable dining experiences.
  • Engage with guests to gather feedback, address concerns, and refine offerings to exceed expectations.
• Hygiene, Safety & Compliance
  • Uphold high standards of personal grooming and ensure all culinary team members consistently present a professional appearance.
  • Ensure strict adherence to sanitation and hygiene protocols across all kitchen areas, equipment, and tools, maintaining a safe and regulation‑compliant environment.
  • Oversee proper food storage and handling practices to prevent contamination and ensure full compliance with health and safety regulations.
  • Conduct ongoing training on the safe and efficient operation of kitchen equipment, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, or equivalent professional experience.
• Proven leadership as a Chef de Cuisine or Head Chef in upscale restaurants, Michelin‑starred restaurants, or hotel dining venues, consistently delivering high culinary standards.
• Experience in restaurant pre‑openings is considered an advantage.
• Strong culinary expertise with a focus on innovation, quality, and presentation.
• Outstanding team leadership and mentoring capabilities, fostering a collaborative and high‑performance kitchen environment.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, ensuring seamless coordination with service and management teams.
• Proficient in menu development, ingredient sourcing, and cost control.
• Thorough understanding of kitchen operations, including inventory management, food safety compliance, and quality assurance.
• HACCP certification or equivalent food safety qualification is required.
• Fluency in English is essential; additional language skills are an advantage.

What will it be like to work for Hilton?

Hilton is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full‑service hotels and resorts to extended‑stay suites and mid‑priced hotels. For nearly a century, Hilton has offered business and leisure travellers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. Hilton is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Our vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality unites us as a team to create remarkable experiences around the world every day, and our amazing Team Members are at the heart of it all.