Sous Chef Turkish Cuisine

SIHAMCO; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 335,000 - 469,000; Full time

Job summary

SIHAMCO in Saudi Arabia seeks an exceptional Sous Chef to lead the culinary direction of a Turkish fine-dining concept for a 6‑month seasonal assignment. The role blends authentic Turkish flavours and traditional techniques with a contemporary presentation, delivering a cohesive concept across service.

You will recruit, train and mentor a multicultural kitchen brigade; develop menus, cost controls and SOPs; oversee tastings, pre-opening activities, and ensure HACCP compliance while maintaining

Qualifications

• 5–8+ years of professional culinary experience, including Sous Chef role.
• Deep knowledge of Turkish cuisine, regional cuisines, ingredients and techniques.
• Experience in fine dining or luxury hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary vision and execution of the Turkish fine-dining concept.
• Develop sophisticated menu inspired by Turkish heritage and regional diversity.
• Create signature dishes blending traditional flavours with modern techniques.
• Lead tastings, trials and final menu development.
• Ensure flavour, quality, presentation and consistency across service.
• Pre-opening and concept development; translate vision into a fully operational restaurant.
• Oversee kitchen operations, mise en place, and high-volume service.
• HACCP compliance and food safety adherence.
• Recruit, train and mentor a multicultural kitchen brigade.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Menu development

Turkish cuisine

Food safety HACCP

Team building

Restaurant operations

Job description

We are seeking an exceptional Sous Chef to lead the culinary direction to celebrate Turkey s rich culinary heritage regional diversity and exceptional ingredients bringing together authentic Turkish flavours and traditional techniques with a sophisticated contemporary fine-dining approach The Sous Chef will be responsible for bringing the Turkish culinary concept to life combining authentic Turkish flavours traditional techniques and premium ingredients with contemporary fine-dining presentation and execution The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of Turkish cuisine and its regional diversity from the Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines to Anatolian Ottoman and modern Turkish culinary influences This is a seasonal 6 month role is based in Saudi Arabia visa and relocation support is provided.

• strong Culinary amp Concept Leadership
• strong Lead the culinary vision and execution of the Turkish fine-dining concept
• strong Develop a sophisticated menu inspired by Turkey s rich culinary heritage and regional diversity
• strong Create signature dishes that combine traditional Turkish flavours and techniques with modern culinary approaches
• strong Develop recipes specifications plating standards and portion controls
• strong Lead menu tastings trials and final menu development
• strong Ensure exceptional standards of flavour quality presentation and consistency across every service
• strong Maintain the authenticity and integrity of Turkish cuisine while adapting the experience to a contemporary luxury dining environment
• strong Pre-Opening amp Concept Development
• strong Lead all culinary aspects of the restaurant pre-opening
• strong Work closely with senior management to translate the culinary vision into a fully operational restaurant
• strong Develop kitchen SOPs recipes preparation methods and service standards
• strong Support kitchen design equipment planning and operational workflow
• strong Assist with supplier selection and sourcing of premium Turkish and local ingredients
• strong Establish product specifications and quality standards
• strong Recruit train and structure the opening kitchen brigade
• strong Lead culinary trials tastings mock services and opening preparations
• strong Kitchen Operations
• strong Take full responsibility for the day-to-day kitchen operation
• strong Lead and motivate a multicultural culinary brigade
• strong Maintain high standards of food preparation presentation and service
• strong Ensure efficient mise en place and kitchen organisation
• strong Manage kitchen workflow during high-volume service while maintaining fine-dining standards
• strong Work closely with the Front of House team to ensure a seamless guest experience
• strong Ensure full compliance with food safety hygiene and HACCP standards
• strong Financial amp Commercial Management
• strong Take ownership of kitchen food cost and operational performance
• strong Develop accurate recipes costing sheets and portion specifications
• strong Monitor food cost yields waste and stock levels
• strong Work closely with the Cost Controller and management team to achieve agreed financial targets
• strong Maintain effective purchasing and inventory control
• strong Ensure appropriate storage and stock rotation
• strong Identify opportunities to improve kitchen efficiency and profitability without compromising quality
• strong People amp Leadership
• strong Build and lead a high-performing culinary team
• strong Recruit train and develop chefs across all kitchen sections
• strong Establish a culture of professionalism discipline creativity and teamwork
• strong Conduct regular training on Turkish culinary techniques recipes presentation and food safety
• strong Mentor junior chefs and develop internal culinary talent
• strong Set clear performance expectations and lead by example during service

5 8+ years of professional culinary experience , including experience as a Sous ChefStrong and demonstrable experience in Turkish cuisine .Previous experience within fine dining, luxury hospitality or premium restaurant environments .Deep knowledge of Turkish culinary traditions, regional cuisines, ingredients and techniques.Experience developing sophisticated menus and signature dishes.Strong knowledge of food costing, yield management, portion control and menu engineering.Proven ability to recruit, lead and develop a multicultural kitchen brigade.Excellent knowledge of HACCP, food safety and hygiene standards.Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.Creative, detail-oriented and commercially minded.Ability to maintain exceptional standards in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a chef who is deeply connected to Turkish cuisine but equally comfortable operating at a modern fine-dining level . The ideal candidate understands that exceptional Turkish cuisine is about more than familiar dishes. You should have a strong appreciation for Turkey's regional ingredients, culinary history and traditional techniques, while having the creativity and technical ability to reinterpret these elements for a sophisticated contemporary dining experience.