Chef de Cuisine - Italian (Expat)

Job description

Operational Responsibilities

· Ensures all company and brand standards for culinary operations—especially those related to Italian cuisine—are fully implemented and consistently upheld.

· Works collaboratively with all employees in a supportive, flexible manner, always prioritizing the overall success of the hotel and guest satisfaction.

· Maintains in-depth knowledge of authentic Italian ingredients, artisanal products, regional specialties, and current market availability; sources fresh and local ingredients wherever possible.

· Oversees and verifies all incoming food products, ensuring quality, freshness, and alignment with order sheets and receiving standards.

· Coordinates with all satellite kitchens regarding mise-en-place, Italian specialty items, production schedules, and ingredient supply requirements.

· Regularly conducts yield tests to minimize wastage and ensure that all Italian recipes in Scala (or hotel recipe systems) are accurate, current, and cost-effective.

· Leads and enforces proper food portioning standards to control costs without compromising quality or authenticity.

· Closely monitors section requirements and ensures timely, accurate requisitions of Italian food items based on menu needs and volume forecasts.

· Observes food preparation, cooking methods, presentation standards, portion sizes, and garnishing techniques to ensure compliance with prescribed Italian culinary standards.

· Estimates consumption of Italian food items and manages purchases or requisitions accordingly.

· Develops innovative Italian dishes and seasonal menu items while upholding authenticity and modern culinary trends.

· Enforces strict sanitation, hygiene, and food safety standards across all Italian kitchen sections.

· Ensures implementation of all relevant touches of the brand, including Food & Beverage Top 20 standards.

· Responds effectively to Guest Satisfaction / Consumer Audit results, ensuring necessary improvements are implemented.

· Ensures exceptional guest service by guiding all guest-facing culinary employees to deliver the brand promise consistently.

· Ensures internal customer service excellence for other departments.

· Handles guest complaints and inquiries courteously and efficiently, following through to ensure complete resolution.

· Maintains positive and professional interactions with guests, colleagues, and all hotel stakeholders.

Administrative Responsibilities

· Ensures Italian culinary operations align with the hotel's corporate strategy and implements hotel action plans within the department.

· Assists in preparing and updating the Italian Kitchen Departmental Operations Manual.

· Conducts regular departmental briefings and meetings in the absence of the Executive Chef / Executive Sous Chef.

Financial Responsibilities

· Assists in maximizing productivity through effective multi-skilling, multitasking, and flexible staff scheduling to meet financial goals and guest expectations.

· Monitors productivity levels and supports cost management strategies related to food, utilities, and payroll while ensuring efficient use of kitchen equipment.

· Encourages the adoption of new technologies and kitchen equipment that enhance productivity and streamline processes.

People Responsibilities

· Leads, supervises, and mentors all Italian Kitchen employees, ensuring they perform their duties according to hotel policies and legal guidelines.

· Ensures punctuality, grooming, uniform standards, and overall professional appearance of all team members.

· Assists in creating and posting weekly work schedules aligned with business needs and performance indicators.

· Develops skills of Italian kitchen employees through structured training, coaching, and development initiatives.

· Delegates tasks appropriately to trained staff members who are equipped to meet performance standards.

· Coordinates effective departmental training programs with the Training Manager.

· Encourages creativity and innovation within the Italian kitchen team and recognizes contributions to operational success.

· Supports annual Performance Development Discussions and assists employees in achieving professional development goals.

· Upholds The People Philosophy and reinforces the organization's values and cultural characteristics.

· Ensures employees understand and adhere to hotel rules, regulations, and policies.

· Ensures compliance with fire, safety, hazard, and security regulations.

Other Responsibilities

· Ensures consistently exceptional guest service from all Italian culinary team members.

· Ensures internal service standards are met for all departments interacting with the Italian kitchen.

· Handles guest and internal customer inquiries courteously and efficiently, ensuring issues are resolved to satisfaction.

· Maintains positive working relationships and promotes teamwork across all levels.