Job Title: Head Chef - Italian / French Background

Note: Candidates must currently be based in Saudi Arabia due to visa requirements.

Salary Package:

Up to USD 5,800/month
Accommodation
Transportation
Single Status

Job Overview

An exciting opportunity for an experienced and highly hands-on Head Chef to lead a premium Mediterranean dining concept in Saudi Arabia. Our client is seeking a passionate culinary leader with a strong Italian and/or French background who is driven by excellence on the kitchen floor. This is a role for a chef who leads from the pass, remains fully engaged throughout service, and sets the standard through presence, precision, and exceptional execution. The successful candidate will oversee all kitchen operations while inspiring the brigade to consistently deliver outstanding food and memorable dining experiences.

Key Responsibilities

Lead all daily kitchen operations with a highly visible, hands-on approach.
Take full ownership of every service, remaining on the pass to oversee quality, presentation, consistency, and timing.
Lead by example, spending the majority of time on the kitchen floor rather than in administrative duties.
Ensure every dish leaving the kitchen reflects the highest culinary standards and aligns with the restaurant's vision.
Taste, monitor, and approve food throughout service to maintain consistency and exceptional guest satisfaction.
Coach, mentor, and develop the kitchen brigade while fostering accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
Work closely with Sous Chefs and kitchen supervisors to maintain seamless communication and efficient service.
Support menu refinement, seasonal offerings, and recipe development while respecting the restaurant's Mediterranean identity.
Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, cleanliness, and kitchen organization.
Oversee labour scheduling, inventory management, food cost control, and purchasing to achieve operational excellence.
Build a disciplined, energetic, and performance-driven kitchen culture focused on quality and consistency.

Qualifications & Requirements

Proven experience as a Head Chef within a luxury restaurant, premium standalone venue, or upscale hospitality environment.
Strong culinary background in Italian, French, or Mediterranean cuisine, with a genuine passion for authentic cooking techniques.
Demonstrated success leading high-performing kitchen brigades in busy, quality-driven dining operations.
A true hands-on chef who enjoys being present during service and leads from the kitchen floor every day.
Strong presence on the pass with exceptional attention to detail, quality control, and final presentation.
Excellent leadership, coaching, and people management skills.
Solid understanding of kitchen financials, including food cost management, purchasing, inventory, and labour control.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume operation while maintaining uncompromising quality standards.
Previous experience in international luxury hospitality or acclaimed standalone restaurants is highly desirable.
European culinary training or professional experience within respected Italian or French kitchens would be an advantage.