Head of Culinary Operations

The Head of Culinary Operations is the chief business leader responsible for the financial success, operational efficiency, and overall strategic direction of all culinary production for the hotel's multiple dining outlets, room service, and banqueting functions.

This role requires proven financial acumen and large-scale team management experience. The HOC will drive profitability through expert menu engineering, cost control, and process optimization. They will partner closely with the Head Chef (the senior creative/hands-on culinarian) to ensure the highest quality product is delivered efficiently and profitably.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

I. Financial Strategy, Menu Engineering & Profitability

• P&L Ownership: Manage and control the entire culinary budget, including food costs, labour costs, and operational expenditures, ensuring alignment with hotel profitability goals.
• Menu Engineering: Lead the strategic analysis, pricing, and design of all menus to maximize Gross Profit (GP) margins and ensure a profitable sales mix.
• Cost Control: Implement and enforce strict cost control measures, focusing on production efficiency, yield management, and waste reduction.
• Procurement & Negotiation: Direct all purchasing activities, negotiate favourable supplier contracts, and oversee inventory accuracy to ensure quality at the lowest effective cost.

II. Operational Leadership & Efficiency

• Strategic Oversight: Oversee, coordinate, and lead the operational flow of all day-to-day kitchen functions, ensuring high productivity and optimal resource utilization across high-volume service periods and banquets.
• Process Optimization: Standardize all kitchen procedures, receiving standards, and storage practices to maximize efficiency and minimize labour expenditure.
• Quality & Consistency: Establish, audit, and enforce the highest standards for food presentation,
consistency, and guest experience, ensuring the Head Chef's recipes are executed flawlessly.
• Compliance: Ensure full compliance with all hygiene, sanitation, food safety (HACCP), and occupational safety standards, conducting regular inspections and maintaining comprehensive documentation.

III. Team Development & Performance Culture

• Leadership & Development: Recruit, onboard, train, and mentor a diverse and high-performing culinary management team.
• Performance Management: Oversee all HR-related administration, including staff scheduling, attendance records, payroll coordination, and conducting performance appraisals and skills development programs.
• Culture: Promote a culture of respect, accountability, efficiency, and professional growth, managing workload planning to balance productivity and team morale.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the F&B Manager, Marketing Manager, and Events teams to align culinary strategy with hotel-wide revenue and service goals.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in a senior kitchen leadership role (Executive Chef or Director of Culinary/F&B) within an upscale, luxury, or high-volume hospitality environment.
• Financial Expertise: Proven financial and analytical skills in managing complex P&L statements, budgeting, labour planning, and demonstrating success in driving down costs and increasing GP through menu engineering.
• Leadership: Demonstrated success in leading and managing large, diverse teams across multiple outlets or banquet operations.
• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of current culinary market trends, supplier management, and strategic capital expenditure planning.
• Education: Culinary degree or recognized professional certification, with a strong preference for
candidates with additional education in Business Administration or Hospitality Management.

On Offer

• Competitive compensation package with performance-driven incentives and recognition programs.
• A supportive environment that encourages creativity, personal development, and continuous learning.
• The opportunity to shape and influence guest experiences through food that inspires, comforts, and surprises.

If you have the required skills & experience, pease get in touch ASAP.

Stand out from the crowd - be an Awesome candidate!