Sous Chef, Abu Dhabi, Uae

HotelJobs; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 880,000 - 1,467,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs in the UAE is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in a luxury hotel kitchen. You will oversee all sections, maintain high standards of quality and hygiene, and ensure the all-day dining menu reflects the brand's artisanal, natural-flavour positioning.

You must have 4+ years kitchen experience, including 1-2 years in a Sous Chef or senior Chef de Partie role, a transferable UAE residency visa, and strong leadership, costing, and stock control skills.

Qualifications

• 4+ years kitchen experience, including 1-2 years in a Sous Chef or senior Chef de Partie role.
• Willingness to obtain HACCP/food safety certification if not already held.
• Experience within luxury hotels, fine dining or high-end all-day dining preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations across all sections, ensuring consistency, quality and pace during service.
• Deputise for the Head Chef in their absence, taking full responsibility for kitchen output and team performance.
• Lead, coach and develop Chefs de Partie, Demi Chefs and Commis Chefs across the brigade.
• Plan and manage staff rosters, prep lists and section allocations to meet service demand.
• Monitor food cost, portion control and wastage, working within budget targets.
• Ensure full compliance with UAE food safety, hygiene and HACCP standards across the kitchen.
• Support menu development and dish execution in line with the restaurant's artisanal, natural-flavour positioning.
• Manage stock levels, ordering and supplier coordination alongside the Head Chef.
• Conduct quality checks on mise en place and finished dishes before they reach the pass.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

HACCP/food safety

Costing & stock control

Staff development

Job description

Role Purpose

Support the Head Chef in leading the kitchen operation day to day — overseeing all sections, upholding food quality, consistency and hygiene standards across an all-day dining menu built on fresh breads, delicate pastries and bold natural flavours, and stepping in to run the kitchen in the Head Chef's absence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations across all sections, ensuring consistency, quality and pace during service
• Deputise for the Head Chef in their absence, taking full responsibility for kitchen output and team performance
• Lead; coach and develop Chefs de Partie, Demi Chefs and Commis Chefs across the brigade
• Plan and manage staff rosters, prep lists and section allocations to meet service demand
• Monitor food cost, portion control and wastage, working within budget targets
• Ensure full compliance with UAE food safety, hygiene and HACCP standards across the kitchen
• Support menu development and dish execution in line with the restaurant's artisanal, natural-flavour positioning
• Manage stock levels, ordering and supplier coordination alongside the Head Chef
• Conduct quality checks on mise en place and finished dishes before they reach the pass

Requirements

Visa Status: Candidates must hold a transferable UAE residency visa.

Experience: 4+ years' kitchen experience, including 1-2 years in a Sous Chef or senior Chef de Partie role, ideally within luxury hotels, fine dining or high-end all-day dining.

Skills & Competencies: Strong leadership and team management, full brigade section knowledge, HACCP/food safety certification (or willingness to obtain), sound understanding of costing and stock control.

Personal Attributes: Calm under pressure, hands-on leadership style, high standards and attention to detail. Based in the UAE with a solid understanding of the local hospitality industry.