Executive Chef – Manila Opening Lead

Cutting Edge Recruitment; Manila; On-site; PHP 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Cutting Edge Recruitment is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead the Manila kitchen as a new opening. You will establish culinary standards, recruit and train the team, and drive the launch from pre-opening to stabilisation in a high-volume, premium casual dining concept.

The role demands hands-on leadership, creativity, and strong commercial sense to manage food costs, quality control, and consistent service with the General Manager and front-of-house teams.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef leading kitchens.
• Experience leading kitchens within premium casual, contemporary dining, or high-volume concepts.
• Strong background in modern cuisine, small plates, and sharing-style dining.
• Proven openings experience and ability to build and mentor teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of kitchen pre-opening, preparation, and launch.
• Oversee day-to-day operation, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Deliver sales targets and food cost targets through kitchen management and discipline.
• Recruit, train, and lead a high-performing kitchen team.
• Identify and develop a strong Sous Chef to support daily operations.
• Establish kitchen systems, recipes, and operating standards.
• Ensure food purchasing, stock control, portioning, and waste reduction.
• Monitor food and labour costs and overall profitability.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene, health and safety.
• Collaborate with General Manager and front-of-house leadership for seamless service.
• Maintain brand culinary identity and consistent menu execution.
• Drive a positive kitchen culture focused on teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Own kitchen performance during opening and stabilisation.

Skills

Executive Chef

Kitchen leadership

Food cost management

Team development

Openings experience

Job description

Cutting Edge Recruitment is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead the Manila kitchen as a new opening. You will establish culinary standards, recruit and train the team, and drive the launch from pre-opening to stabilisation in a high-volume, premium casual dining concept.

The role demands hands-on leadership, creativity, and strong commercial sense to manage food costs, quality control, and consistent service with the General Manager and front-of-house teams.