Job Title: Development Chef
Reports To: Executive Chef
Location: Riyadh KSA
Job Description:
We are seeking a creative and skilled Development Chef to join our culinary team and lead the development of innovative menu items that align with the restaurants identity. This role requires a passion for modernizing traditional dishes through fusion concepts while respecting cultural preferences and local culinary norms. The Development Chef will play a key role in enhancing our menu offerings incorporating international and Saudi cuisines and introducing new trends that elevate the dining experience.
Key Responsibilities:
- Menu Innovation: Design and introduce exciting dishes that reflect the restaurants brand identity integrating Saudi and international cuisines with a modern twist.
- Fusion Cooking: Modernize traditional dishes through fusion cooking techniques ensuring cultural authenticity while creating innovative flavors.
- Dietary Adaptations: Develop menu items that are healthy allergyfriendly and appealing to light or picky eaters including kidfriendly options.
- Social Dining Focus: Create and introduce shareable dishes such as mezze salads starters and others to encourage social dining experiences.
- CostEffective Innovation: Add premium dishes with low ingredient costs but high perceived value to increase profitability and attract a wider audience.
- Waste Reduction: Implement cooking trends that reduce waste and improve profit margins optimizing menu items based on sales and performance.
- Beverage Development: Enhance the bar section by creating trendy drinks cocktails regional beverages and tea fusions that cater to local tastes and boost sales.
- Plating and Presentation: Utilize modern plating and garnishing techniques to create visually stunning dishes that enhance the overall dining experience.
- Menu Evolution: Use digital menus to showcase images suggest pairings and highlight popular items. Work with the IT department to include nutritional information and preparation methods via QR codes.
- Training and Development: Provide training to kitchen staff on menu development techniques including ingredient knowledge preparation methods and presentation standards.
- Sales Monitoring: Track sales and customer feedback on new items to assess their success and make adjustments as necessary to meet guest expectations.
- Food Safety Compliance: Ensure that all menu items are created and introduced in accordance with food safety standards and company policies.
Requirements:
- Degree or diploma in Culinary Arts Food Science or Hospitality Management.
- Experience: Minimum of 57 years of experience in a similar role with proven experience in multibranch restaurant management and menu development.
- Expertise in fusion cooking techniques flavor balancing and innovative food presentation.
- Proficiency in food costing portion control and recipe standardization.
- Ability to develop menu items that appeal to a diverse customer base while maintaining high standards of quality and creativity.
- Strong creativity and innovation in food design.
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with a team.
- Passionate about food trends and customer satisfaction.
- Ability to balance cultural respect with modern culinary experimentation.