Head Chef - Japanese Peruvian
Job Fit Check
Base Career helps you apply smarter for this job.
Key skills for this role
About the Role
Independent Food Company is seeking a Head Chef to lead culinary operations for its Japanese-Peruvian concept KUMO in Dubai. You will manage menu execution, kitchen operations, cost control, and team development.
Key Skills for This Role
Responsibilities
- Lead daily kitchen operations, ensuring every dish meets Kumo's plating, flavor, and quality standards
- Execute the menu with precision and consistency
- Partner with the Executive Chef on menu development, seasonal specials, and recipe standardization
- Oversee mise en place, station setup, and service flow to ensure consistent execution during peak service
- Monitor ticket times, kitchen efficiency, and coordination between sushi bar, Robata section, hot kitchen, and pass
- Enforce HACCP protocols and food safety standards, with particular rigor around raw fish handling
- Manage food cost, portion control, and wastage in line with budgeted targets
- Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff, including sushi chefs, sous chefs, and commis
- Build and maintain relationships with specialized suppliers for sushi grade fish and other ingredients
- Ensure every dish reflects Kumo's positioning as a high end concept, protecting consistency across all dayparts
Requirements
- Experience leading kitchen operations in a high end Japanese Peruvian or similar concept
- Strong knowledge of Japanese Peruvian cuisine, including sushi, Robata, and Nikkei techniques
- Proven ability to manage food cost, portion control, and inventory
- Expertise in HACCP protocols and UAE food safety regulations
- Experience recruiting, training, and mentoring kitchen staff
- Ability to maintain high standards of plating, flavor, and quality consistency
Full Job Posting
Role Overview
- The Head Chef will be responsible for leading the culinary operations and driving the creative vision of our Japanese Peruvian concept KUMO, managing everything from menu engineering and kitchen profitability to team development.
Culinary Leadership & Menu Execution
- Lead daily kitchen operations, ensuring every dish leaving the pass meets Kumo's plating, flavor, and quality standards.
- Execute the menu with precision and consistency
- Partner with the Executive Chef on menu development, seasonal specials, and recipe standardization.
- Maintain and continuously refine standardized recipes, plating guides, and portioning specifications.
Kitchen Operations & Standards
- Oversee mise en place, station setup, and service flow to ensure consistent execution during peak service.
- Monitor ticket times, kitchen efficiency, and coordination between sushi bar, Robata section, hot kitchen, and pass.
- Ensure kitchen equipment, tools, and workstations are maintained to brand and safety standards.
- Conduct daily line checks and pre service tastings to uphold consistency across shifts.
Food Safety, Hygiene & Compliance
- Enforce HACCP protocols and food safety standards across all kitchen sections, with particular rigor around raw fish handling and storage.
- Ensure full compliance with UAE municipality and food authority regulations.
- Lead regular internal audits and support external QA/QC inspections, closing out corrective actions promptly.
Cost Control & Inventory Management
- Manage food cost, portion control, and wastage in line with budgeted targets.
- Oversee inventory levels, stock rotation (FIFO), and ordering for high value, perishable ingredients including sushi grade fish.
- Conduct regular stock takes and variance analysis, reporting discrepancies to management.
- Set and maintain par levels for all kitchen inventory, reviewing regularly against sales trends and wastage data.
- Place and track orders against par levels, coordinating with suppliers and the procurement team to ensure timely delivery and avoid stockouts or overstocking of perishables.
Team Leadership & Development
- Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff, including sushi chefs, sous chefs, and commis, building a strong technical bench.
- Create and maintain training programs for techniques, knife skills, and menu knowledge and preparation.
- Manage staff scheduling, performance, and discipline in line with INDPT HR policies.
- Foster a culture of accountability, precision, and craftsmanship within the kitchen team.
Supplier & Sourcing Management
- Build and maintain relationships with specialized suppliers.
- Ensure sourcing meets quality, freshness, and sustainability standards, escalating supply issues proactively.
- Work with the procurement team to evaluate new suppliers and negotiate pricing without compromising quality.
Guest Experience & Brand Consistency
- Ensure every dish reflects Kumo's positioning as a high end concept, protecting consistency across all dayparts.
- Engage with guests and front of house teams to gather feedback and address concerns related to food quality.
- Support special events, activations, and VIP service requiring elevated culinary execution.
Cross Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with the Executive Chef to align on standards.
- Partner with Restaurant Managers and FOH leadership to ensure smooth kitchen to floor coordination.
- Support the Development team during new outlet openings with kitchen setup, training, and menu rollout.
Apply for this job in 1 click
Skip the repetitive application forms
Install the Base Career Chrome Extension and autofill job applications across major job boards with your profile.
Trusted by over 500,000 job seekers on Base Career
More from this employer
More jobs at Independent Food Company
Supply Chain Manager
Riyadh, KSA
The Independent Food Company seeks a Supply Chain Manager to oversee end-to-end supply chain operations including procurement, inventory, warehousing, transportation, and demand planning. The role requires a Bachelor's d
Brand Executive
Dubai, UAE
Independent Food Company seeks a Brand Executive to act as the primary link between the organization and external design partners, managing design projects, coordinating feedback, and protecting intellectual property. Re
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Riyadh, KSA
The Independent Food Company seeks an Assistant Restaurant Manager to support daily operations in Riyadh. You will supervise staff, ensure customer service, manage inventory, and help achieve sales goals. Requires experi
Influencer Marketing Specialist
Riyadh, KSA
Independent Food Company seeks an Influencer Marketing Specialist to plan and execute influencer campaigns for its UAE-based hospitality brands. The role involves identifying influencers, managing partnerships, and analy
Creative Brand Manager
Dubai, UAE
Independent Food Company, a UAE-based hospitality group, seeks a Creative Brand Manager for its brand 'Somewhere'. This design-led role owns the visual identity, creative direction, and campaign execution across all touc
Financial Planning and Analysis Manager
Dubai, UAE
The Financial Planning and Analysis Manager will drive financial performance and strategic decision-making within the Independent Food Company. Responsibilities include financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and per
Projects Coordinator - Visual Design Team
Dubai, UAE
Independent Food Company seeks a Projects Coordinator for its Visual Design Studio in Dubai. The role acts as the primary link between the organization and design partners, ensuring seamless communication, timely project
Store Manager
Riyadh, KSA
The Independent Food Company seeks a Store Manager to oversee daily operations of its F&B outlets in Riyadh. The role involves achieving sales targets, leading staff, ensuring customer service, and managing inventory. Ca
Supply Chain Manager
Riyadh, KSA
Brand Executive
Dubai, UAE
Assistant Restaurant Manager
Riyadh, KSA
Influencer Marketing Specialist
Riyadh, KSA
Creative Brand Manager
Dubai, UAE
Financial Planning and Analysis Manager
Dubai, UAE
Projects Coordinator - Visual Design Team
Dubai, UAE
Store Manager
Riyadh, KSA