Corporate Culinary Director

ROLE PURPOSE

The Corporate Culinary Director is a pivotal senior executive role responsible for orchestrating and elevating the culinary operations across ultra-luxurious properties in Saudi Arabia. This position is dedicated to delivering extraordinary dining experiences tailored specifically for VIP guests, ensuring that each meal reflects the highest standards of quality, creativity, and service. The role demands a visionary leader who can seamlessly blend innovation with tradition, consistently exceeding the refined expectations of the elite clientele. Frequent travel between properties in Riyadh and Jeddah is required to maintain a cohesive and exceptional culinary standard, ensuring that every guest enjoys a personalized and unforgettable dining experience.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ACTIVITIES

Operational Excellence

• Develop and implement culinary strategies that align with the luxury property standards and the preferences of targeted guests.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire culinary teams across all properties to maintain the highest level of culinary excellence.
• Create and curate innovative, bespoke menus that reflect local and international culinary trends while catering to the sophisticated tastes of targeted guests.
• Ensure consistency and quality across all properties by standardizing recipes and presentation guidelines.

Quality Assurance

• Collaborate with guest services to enhance the overall dining experience, ensuring personalized service and exceptional guest satisfaction.
• Ensure all culinary operations comply with local regulations, hygiene standards, and company policies.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to uphold the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and food quality.

Leadership & Training

• Lead, mentor, and inspire culinary teams across all properties to maintain the highest level of culinary excellence.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development.
• Design and implement training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of the culinary teams, focusing on innovation, quality, and service excellence.

Maintenance & Safety

• Oversee daily culinary operations, ensuring efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to health and safety regulations.
• Manage procurement processes, ensuring the sourcing of high-quality ingredients and maintaining relationships with premium suppliers.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment and facilities are maintained to the highest standards, addressing any maintenance issues promptly to prevent operational disruptions.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and manage culinary budgets, monitor expenses, and implement cost control measures without compromising quality.
• Oversee inventory management, ensuring optimal stock levels and minimizing waste.
• Collaborate with the procurement team to negotiate contracts and secure the best quality ingredients at competitive prices.

BACKGROUND, SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree or diploma in Culinary Arts from a recognized culinary institute. Advanced certifications or additional training in culinary management, hospitality, or related fields are highly desirable.
• Additional qualifications in Hospitality Management or a related field will be considered an asset, providing a broader understanding of the luxury hospitality industry and guest service excellence.
• Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in the culinary field, with at least 5-7 years in a senior management or leadership role within luxury hotels or high-end hospitality environments.
• Exceptional culinary skills with a deep understanding of diverse cuisines and the ability to create innovative, high-quality dishes that meet the sophisticated tastes of discerning guests.
• Strong leadership abilities, with a track record of mentoring, inspiring, and managing large culinary teams across multiple properties. Demonstrated capacity to foster a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement culinary strategies that align with luxury brand standards and elevate the guest dining experience.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in developing and managing budgets, monitoring expenses, and optimizing revenue without compromising quality.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to quickly and effectively address challenges and maintain operational excellence.