Head Chef – Italian Pizza Specialist

Job Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all kitchen operations and staff.
• Develop and maintain authentic Italian pizza recipes and menu offerings.
• Oversee pizza dough production, fermentation, proofing, and baking processes.
• Ensure consistent quality, presentation, and taste of all food items.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate kitchen staff.
• Control food costs, inventory, purchasing, and waste management.
• Implement and maintain HACCP, hygiene, and food safety standards.
• Create seasonal menus and introduce new pizza concepts.
• Monitor kitchen equipment maintenance and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate with restaurant management to achieve business goals and customer satisfaction.

Requirements

• 6 and above years of culinary experience with at least 5 years as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Strong expertise in Italian cuisine, especially Neapolitan and artisan pizza.
• Advanced knowledge of dough fermentation, pizza ovens, Italian ingredients, and traditional cooking techniques.
• Experience managing high-volume restaurant operations.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong understanding of food costing, budgeting, and inventory control.
• HACCP and food safety certification preferred.
• Culinary diploma or equivalent professional qualification is an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in premium Italian restaurants, hotel restaurants, or upscale dining concepts.
• Pre-opening experience.
• Expertise in wood-fired pizza ovens and traditional Italian pizza-making methods.
• Experience in the UAE

KPIs

• Food quality and consistency.
• Food cost percentage and waste control.
• Kitchen hygiene audit scores.
• Customer satisfaction ratings.
• Staff retention and training performance.
• Revenue growth through menu innovation.
• **Ideal Candidate:** A passionate Italian pizza expert with strong leadership skills, capable of delivering authentic Italian cuisine experiences while managing a high-performing kitchen team.