Head Chef - Lebanese , Mediterranean Concept

Driven to create unique home-grown food concepts that bring people together, the Independent Food Company is a UAE-based hospitality company with multiple concepts under its umbrella: SALT, Switch, Parker's, Grind, Somewhere, and Public.

We are looking for an experienced Head Chef to join the amazing back of house team in the restaurant as well as our Central Kitchen sites.

To be considered for this role, we require previous experience working in a busy kitchen, whether with a high-volume catering group or a busy independent restaurant. Strong communication skills are important, as is a passion for developing a career as a chef. We will provide ongoing opportunities to support this growth.

Job Responsibilities

• Minimum three years prior experience as a Head Chef or Kitchen Manager in Large Production Units in the restaurant/Central Kitchen Sites.
• Well experienced in International/Lebanese Cuisines.
• Prior supervisory experience in a kitchen or culinary department.
• Full knowledge of methods, procedures, and quality standards relating to company menus as well as basic kitchen procedures and terminology.
• Ability to utilize company policies to successfully uphold quality and consistency in all menu items prepared and served.
• Certified in HACCP and Food Safety is a must.
• Ability to effectively demonstrate and communicate the quality mission of the company to all associates.
• Ability to communicate work-related information to coworkers and supervisors.
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time with limited breaks.
• Ability to push, pull, lift or carry up to 50 lbs. Ability to push, pull, lift or carry up to 1,000 lbs. with the aid of a rolling cart made available by the company.
• Ability to effectively deal with internal and external customers, some who may require extreme levels of patience, tact, and diplomacy to diffuse anger and resolve problems quickly and efficiently.
• Ability to withstand extreme temperatures in the kitchen working environment, ranging from 0 to 120 degrees.
• Ability to visually inspect, taste, and smell product to ensure freshness and quality.
• Ability to communicate effectively with associates, management, clients, and vendors if necessary.
• Ability to work flexible schedule to accommodate business levels.
• Ability to analyze and execute the Food cost and Profit and Loss.

Essential Job Functions

• Hire, coach, counsel, and conduct performance evaluations of staff.
• Develop, train, and mentor staff and act as a resource to them.
• Open production kitchen and complete a general overview of day's production.
• Designate production teams and team leaders.
• Determine priorities of production staff.
• Supervise production staff to ensure efficiency, quality, cleanliness, organization, and proficiency.
• Lead a team during production.
• Ensure quality of food produced by all team members while adhering to specified time limits.
• Work with purchasing manager to assess arrival of orders and future product needs. Communicate with purchasing manager regarding pace of production staff to prevent missed orders and over ordering.
• Create daily production sheets, reschedule sheets, party check-off sheets, and recovery sheets.
• Maintain inventory of production equipment, and communicate any concerns or needs.
• Supervise proper storage and cleanliness of walk-in boxes.
• Ensure proper sanitation guidelines are maintained.
• Communicate orally and in writing with chef and back of house (BOH) team pertaining to outcome or special nuances of each food item and execution of events. This communication is to include performance of all individuals involved, quality and quantity of food prepared, and facility and equipment.
• Participate in any meetings, including weekly kitchen and any others companywide.
• Any other assignments as designated by executive chef or executive sous chef.
• Travel, as necessary, to different properties/venues.
• Perform all reasonable requests from the management team.
• Attend and participate in all scheduled meetings and training sessions.
• Follow proper time-keeping policies and procedures.
• Follow the sign-in and sign-out procedure for keys.
• Know and follow all company emergency and safety procedures.