Executive Chef

Our client is looking for an Executive Chef that will lead the culinary direction of a premium, up-market café, delivering elevated café-style cuisine with a focus on quality, presentation, and guest experience. The ideal candidate is creative, detail-oriented, and passionate about seasonal, artisanal, and contemporary café dining. The role requires strong leadership, menu innovation, operational efficiency, and the ability to uphold the café’s high standards of excellence.About the RoleThe Executive Chef will lead the culinary direction of a premium, up-market café, delivering elevated café-style cuisine with a focus on quality, presentation, and guest experience.ResponsibilitiesLead daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth workflow and exceptional culinary output.Develop and refresh a sophisticated café menu (including brunch, light meals, artisanal baked items, and specialty offerings) that reflects current global food trends.Ensure consistently high levels of food presentation, quality, and portion standards.Source premium, fresh, and sustainable ingredients; build strong supplier relationships.Manage stock levels, monitor inventory usage, and control food costs with minimal waste.Train, mentor, schedule, and supervise kitchen staff to deliver high performance and maintain a positive kitchen culture.Implement and maintain strict hygiene, sanitation, and HACCP food safety standards.Collaborate with café management on menu pricing, promotional offerings, and seasonal menu launches.Oversee kitchen equipment care, maintenance, and overall kitchen efficiency.QualificationsProven experience as an Executive Chef, Head Chef, or Senior Sous Chef in an upscale café, boutique hotel, luxury coffee house, bistro, or fine-casual dining environment.Must have international culinary experience and exposure to global flavour profiles and modern plating styles.Culinary degree or professional certification from a recognized institution is preferred.Strong understanding of contemporary café food trends (e.g., elevated brunch, artisanal breads/pastries, wellness-focused dishes, gourmet casual dining).Excellent leadership abilities with experience managing and developing kitchen teams.Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.Financial literacy with demonstrated experience in cost control, budgeting, and menu engineering.Exceptional attention to detail, with passion for creativity, quality, and consistency.Required SkillsCalm, confident, and professional leadership presence.Highly creative, with an eye for modern presentation and taste balance.Reliable, proactive, and adaptable to changing guest demands and trends.Preferred SkillsExperience in upscale café or fine-casual dining environments.Knowledge of global culinary trends and techniques.