Role: Head Chef Based in Middle East Possible Travel
Location: Middle East, UAE
Salary: DOE
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexibility according to family and property requirements
Accommodation: Provided
Start Date: ASAP
 
Overview and Opportunity

Our client, a highly prestigious private household in the Middle East, is seeking a talented and experienced Head Chef to lead the culinary operations across their primary residences. The household is run to formal service standards and accommodates both family living and frequent entertaining, requiring a chef who can deliver consistently exceptional cuisine.

The role offers the unique opportunity to work within a dynamic estate alongside a large, multicultural team of approximately 180 staff, collaborating with the Properties Manager, Head Housekeeper, and senior household members to maintain a world-class level of service. Candidates with prior GCC experience (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman) will not be considered.
 
Job Description

• Estate includes multiple residences with both formal and informal dining spaces.
• Household supported by approx. 180 staff across all departments.
• Kitchen team currently consists of 15-20 staff under the leadership of the Head Chef.
• Close collaboration with the Properties Manager, Head Housekeeper, and wider management team.
• Flexible working hours based on family schedules and events.

Hospitality

• High-volume dining with both daily family meals and regular entertaining of guests.
• Events range from intimate dinners to large formal gatherings.
• Strong emphasis on Mediterranean cuisine, with a focus on seasonal, organic, and locally sourced ingredients.
• Kitchens operate year-round, with no seasonal closures.

Role Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute menus for daily family dining and special events.
• Source and maintain relationships with suppliers for high-quality ingredients.
• Oversee kitchen operations, budgets, procurement, and expenditure reporting.
• Co-develop and implement SOPs for culinary and service standards.
• Lead, train, and motivate a kitchen team of 15-20 staff.
• Maintain strict HACCP hygiene and safety protocols.
• Coordinate daily operations and logistics with household management.
• Ensure kitchen facilities, equipment, and storage areas are maintained to the highest standard.
• Provide transparent communication and regular reports to the Properties Manager.
• Support crisis management planning for kitchen and service-related issues.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in high-performance kitchens (luxury hotels, resorts, or private estates).
• Expertise in Mediterranean cuisine (Italy, France, Spain) with a strong culinary repertoire.
• Proven leadership experience managing large and diverse teams.
• Excellent organisational, budgeting, and administrative skills.
• Strong IT skills (Excel, Word; ERP/NetSuite a plus).
• Fluent in English, with outstanding communication skills.
• High standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion.
• Valid driving licence and DBS.
• Non-smoker preferred.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).

Benefits

• Competitive, tax-free salary package (DOE).
• High-standard private accommodation provided.
• Annual flight allowance.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage.
• 30 days’ annual leave.
• Full visa sponsorship.
• End-of-service gratuity as per local law.
• Opportunity to work in a world-class household with exceptional resources.
• Long-term career stability within a respected UHNW family estate.

How to Apply
To apply for this role, please send your CV/resume to jerome@achievehospitality.com