Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced R&D Chef / Food Technologist to lead our diverse culinary operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing innovative menu concepts for a gastronomic brew pub featuring global cuisines, while specializing in healthy, nutritional, and lifestyle-focused food offerings for our cafe. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior culinary professional looking to make a significant impact in health-conscious dining and multicultural cuisine development. The selected candidate will serve as the primary resource for all culinary operations. Given our people-centric business model, the ability to work efficiently under time constraints is both essential and critical to our success.
Key Responsibilities
Primary Duties:
- Recipe formulation and development across International, Continental, Italian, French, Lebanese, Indian, Chinese, and Arabic cuisines
- Create and curate health-focused menu items including vegan, gluten-free, and nutritional offerings for lifestyle reversal programs
- Lead culinary innovation through experimental cooking techniques and contemporary food presentation
- Conduct sensory tasting sessions and menu optimization to ensure exceptional food quality and customer satisfaction
- Implement and maintain food safety protocols including PIC and HACCP compliance standards
Additional Responsibilities:
- Manage kitchen budgets and implement cost reduction strategies without compromising quality
- Oversee resource procurement, vendor relationships, and comprehensive inventory management
- Lead and mentor kitchen staff in a multicultural working environment
- Develop standard operating procedures for food preparation and presentation techniques
- Collaborate with nutrition specialists to develop lifestyle-focused meal programs
Required Qualifications
Education:
- Culinary Arts degree from accredited institution or equivalent professional experience
- Food Safety certifications (PIC, HACCP) (preferred)
- Additional certifications/ accolades in nutrition or healthy cooking (preferred)
Experience:
- Minimum 8-10 years of professional culinary experience in chef roles
- Proven expertise in multiple international cuisines: Continental, Italian, French, Lebanese, Indian, Chinese, and Arabic
- Extensive experience in healthy, nutritional, vegan, and gluten-free food preparation
- Demonstrated success in recipe formulation and menu development
- Experience working in multicultural kitchen environments
Technical Skills:
- Advanced knowledge of modern plating and food presentation techniques
- Expertise in innovative and experimental culinary approaches
- Strong understanding of nutritional principles and lifestyle-focused cuisine
- Proficiency in kitchen management software and inventory systems
- Advanced sensory evaluation and food tasting capabilities
Core Competencies:
- Exceptional culinary creativity and innovation skills
- Strong budget management and cost control abilities
- Leadership skills for managing diverse, multicultural teams
- Resource procurement and vendor management expertise
- Excellent understanding of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP protocols
- Ability to curate specialized menus for health and lifestyle programs
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced culinary degree or specialized training in international cuisines
- Certification in nutritional cooking or wellness cuisine
- Experience in health and wellness hospitality or medical nutrition programs
- Knowledge of dietary restrictions and therapeutic cooking approaches
- Previous experience in upscale restaurants, hotels, or health-focused establishments
- Multilingual capabilities to support diverse team communication
- Experience with lifestyle reversal or nutrition therapy programs
