Development Chef

About the job Development Chef

Job Title: Development Chef
Reports To: Executive Chef
Location: Riyadh, KSA

Job Description:

We are seeking a creative and skilled Development Chef to join our culinary team and lead the development of innovative menu items that align with the restaurant's identity. This role requires a passion for modernizing traditional dishes through fusion concepts while respecting cultural preferences and local culinary norms. The Development Chef will play a key role in enhancing our menu offerings, incorporating international and Saudi cuisines, and introducing new trends that elevate the dining experience.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Menu Innovation: Design and introduce exciting dishes that reflect the restaurant's brand identity, integrating Saudi and international cuisines with a modern twist.
2. Fusion Cooking: Modernize traditional dishes through fusion cooking techniques, ensuring cultural authenticity while creating innovative flavors.
3. Dietary Adaptations: Develop menu items that are healthy, allergy-friendly, and appealing to light or picky eaters, including kid-friendly options.
4. Social Dining Focus: Create and introduce shareable dishes such as mezze, salads, starters, and others to encourage social dining experiences.
5. Cost-Effective Innovation: Add premium dishes with low ingredient costs but high perceived value to increase profitability and attract a wider audience.
6. Waste Reduction: Implement cooking trends that reduce waste and improve profit margins, optimizing menu items based on sales and performance.
7. Beverage Development: Enhance the bar section by creating trendy drinks, cocktails, regional beverages, and tea fusions that cater to local tastes and boost sales.
8. Plating and Presentation: Utilize modern plating and garnishing techniques to create visually stunning dishes that enhance the overall dining experience.
9. Menu Evolution: Use digital menus to showcase images, suggest pairings, and highlight popular items. Work with the IT department to include nutritional information and preparation methods via QR codes.
10. Training and Development: Provide training to kitchen staff on menu development techniques, including ingredient knowledge, preparation methods, and presentation standards.
11. Sales Monitoring: Track sales and customer feedback on new items to assess their success and make adjustments as necessary to meet guest expectations.
12. Food Safety Compliance: Ensure that all menu items are created and introduced in accordance with food safety standards and company policies.

Requirements:

• Degree or diploma in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or Hospitality Management.
• Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a similar role with proven experience in multi-branch restaurant management and menu development.
• Expertise in fusion cooking techniques, flavor balancing, and innovative food presentation.
• Proficiency in food costing, portion control, and recipe standardization.
• Ability to develop menu items that appeal to a diverse customer base while maintaining high standards of quality and creativity.
• Strong creativity and innovation in food design.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with a team.
• Passionate about food trends and customer satisfaction.
• Ability to balance cultural respect with modern culinary experimentation.