Chef de Cuisine - YAARI Modern Indian Fine Dining (Pre Opening) - Waldorf Astoria

Hilton Worldwide, Inc.; Kuala Lumpur; On-site; MYR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global hospitality company seeks a Chef de Cuisine for their new restaurant in Kuala Lumpur. The Chef will drive culinary excellence, develop innovative menus, and lead the culinary team in ensuring exceptional dining experiences. Candidates should have significant experience in upscale dining, strong leadership abilities, and a commitment to food safety. This opportunity involves crafting a unique dining experience within a renowned hospitality brand.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience as Chef de Cuisine or Head Chef in upscale settings.
• Experience with restaurant pre-openings preferred.
• HACCP certification or equivalent food safety qualification required.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary team in delivering exceptional cuisine.
• Design and execute innovative menus.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations and food safety compliance.

Skills

Culinary expertise

Leadership

Communication skills

Menu development

Food safety compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management or Culinary Arts

Job description

Chef de Cuisine – YAARI Modern Indian Fine Dining (Pre‑Opening) – Waldorf Astoria

Job Number: HOT0C643

Work Locations

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

Hilton has a presence in over 100 countries. In addition to its 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.

If you appreciate the impact global travel can have on the world, you may be the person we are looking for to work as a Hilton Team Member. Because it’s with Hilton where we never forget the reason we’re here: to delight our guests, team members, and owners alike.

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, culinary 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 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 light and warmth of hospitality unites us as a team to create remarkable experiences everyday. And our amazing team members are at the heart of it all.