Director of Culinary

Minor Hotels; Singapore; On-site; SGD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Avani Singapore is opening a leadership role for Director of Culinary to shape the culinary identity from day one. You will lead kitchen operations, concept development, and innovative dining experiences across the hotel’s restaurants, bars, in-room dining, and events.

The role requires extensive international hotel culinary leadership, a strong commercial mindset, and a passion for exceptional guest experiences. Pre-opening expertise is highly valued as the brand debuts in Singapore.

Qualifications

• Proven track record leading multiple kitchen operations and culinary teams.
• Strong commercial acumen with food cost management.
• Experience in pre-opening hotel or F&B concepts preferred.
• Fluent in English and able to lead diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary pre-opening workstream: kitchen setup, concept development, menu creation, supplier sourcing, team mobilization, and opening readiness.
• Develop and execute the hotel’s culinary strategy aligned with Avani brand and commercial goals.
• Drive culinary innovation across outlets, dining experiences, and guest interactions.
• Collaborate with F&B, Marketing, Revenue, and Operations to support commercial targets and guest satisfaction.
• Maintain top-tier food quality, hygiene, and consistency across all outlets.
• Recruit, develop and inspire a high-performing culinary team and culture of excellence.
• Manage food costs, inventory, and kitchen performance to meet financial targets.
• Build strong supplier relationships to ensure quality and innovation.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Pre-opening experience

Budgeting & cost control

Team development

English fluency

Job description

Job Location: Avani Singapore

At Avani, we’re all about finding that perfect balance — between cool and kind, design and function, service and privacy. We’ve built our hotels and resorts around this philosophy: vibrant social spaces that vibe with the day, stylish rooms that simply work, and honest, locally inspired food. We embrace an upbeat service culture that genuinely respects the art of hospitality.

With a growing portfolio across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Australia, Avani is a brand on the move. If you take real pride in the little things — and believe that a warm welcome and a genuine smile make all the difference — you’ll fit right in here.

Join the opening leadership team of Avani Singapore and play a pivotal role in delivering one of Singapore's most exciting new lifestyle hospitality destinations. This is a unique opportunity to shape the hotel's culinary identity from the ground up, create innovative dining experiences, and establish a food and beverage offering that resonates with both local and international guests from day one.

At Avani, we create stylish and seamless experiences for modern travellers. We're looking for an experienced and visionary Director of Culinary to lead the hotel's culinary strategy through pre-opening and beyond. Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will oversee all culinary operations, menu development, kitchen leadership, food quality, and culinary innovation across the hotel's restaurants, bars, in-room dining, banqueting, and special events.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the culinary pre-opening workstream, including kitchen setup, concept development, menu creation, supplier sourcing, team mobilization, operational readiness, and opening preparations
• Develop and execute the hotel's culinary strategy, ensuring concepts are commercially successful, relevant, and aligned with the Avani brand
• Drive innovation across all culinary offerings, creating memorable dining experiences for guests and local patrons
• Partner closely with Food & Beverage, Marketing, Revenue, and Operations teams to support commercial objectives and guest satisfaction
• Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, and consistency across all outlets
• Recruit, develop, and inspire a high‑performing culinary team while fostering a culture of creativity and excellence
• Manage food costs, productivity, inventory, and kitchen performance to achieve financial targets
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and partners to ensure product quality and support innovation

What We’re Looking For

• Extensive culinary leadership experience within international hotels, lifestyle brands, or destination dining concepts
• Proven experience leading multiple kitchen operations, restaurant concepts, and culinary teams
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing food costs, budgets, and profitability
• Passion for culinary innovation, guest experience, and developing distinctive food concepts
• Pre-opening hotel experience is strongly preferred
• Strong understanding of Singapore's dining scene, guest preferences, and emerging food and beverage trends
• Previous culinary leadership experience within Singapore hospitality would be highly advantageous
• Strong leadership, coaching, and talent development capabilities
• Established industry relationships and supplier networks are advantageous
• Fluent in English

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a landmark hotel opening in Singapore
• Join a globally recognised hospitality group
• Work in a collaborative, people‑focused culture
• Shape the hotel's culinary identity and dining experiences from day one
• Enjoy regional and international career development opportunities

Bring your creativity. Inspire exceptional dining experiences. Help shape the future of Avani Singapore.