Specialty: Italian cuisine
Location: Jeddah Saudi Arabia (Candidate required to relocate to Jeddah)
Reporting to: CEO
Restaurants Managed: 2 existing Italian restaurants (150160 pax each) 2 upcoming venues
Role Overview:
Our client a fast growing Restaurant chain is seeking a highly skilled and passionate Italian Head Chef to lead the culinary operations across a growing portfolio of Italian restaurants.
The successful candidate will bring authentic Italian culinary expertise strong leadership in managing kitchen teams and a proven ability to run high-volume premium dining concepts. This is a key leadership position that will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations from menu development and cost control to team training and pre-opening planning for new outlets.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead daily kitchen operations.
- Ensure authentic Italian food preparation and high-quality standards are maintained consistently.
- Collaborate with the CEO and management to design innovative menus rooted in traditional Italian cuisine.
- Oversee inventory food cost control supplier coordination and kitchen hygiene in line with HACCP standards.
- Recruit train and manage a diverse team of chefs commis and kitchen staff.
- Manage pre-opening tasks for new restaurants including kitchen layout planning equipment selection and staff onboarding.
- Monitor customer feedback and work closely with front-of-house to ensure an exceptional dining experience.
- Drive kitchen efficiency minimise waste and ensure compliance with local food safety regulations.
Requirements:
- Minimum 810 years of experience in Italian cuisine with at least 35 years as Head Chef or Executive Chef.
- Proven experience managing high-capacity restaurants (70 covers).
- Hands-on experience in restaurant pre-openings kitchen design and team structuring.
- Strong leadership training and communication skills.
- Deep understanding of Italian culinary traditionspastas pizzas sauces antipasti etc.
- Experience working in international Multi-chain hospitality groups is a plus.
- Fluent in English; Italian language is a bonus.
What We Offer:
- Full relocation support to Saudi Arabia
- Visa support
- Accommodation & other benefits