Assistant Executive Chef

Restaurant & Cafe ZouZou is looking for a talented, experienced, and passionate Assistant Executive Chef to support our culinary leadership team in managing kitchen operations, maintaining food quality, and ensuring consistency across our restaurant operations.

The ideal candidate will have strong culinary expertise, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to drive kitchen performance while upholding ZouZou’s standards of quality, hygiene, and guest satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

Assist the Executive Chef in overseeing daily kitchen operations and ensuring smooth service.

Supervise, guide, and motivate Head Chefs, Sous Chefs, and kitchen teams.

Maintain consistent food quality, taste, portioning, and presentation across all outlets.

Ensure compliance with approved recipes, menu specifications, food safety standards, and company procedures.

Monitor food costs, stock levels, wastage, and portion control to support cost efficiency.

Coordinate with Purchasing and Store teams to ensure product availability and proper inventory management.

Conduct regular kitchen inspections and ensure compliance with HACCP principles and UAE food safety regulations.

Support menu development, recipe standardization, new dish testing, and seasonal promotions.

Identify training needs and support the development and performance of kitchen staff.

Monitor kitchen productivity, staffing requirements, and operational efficiency.

Investigate food quality concerns and implement corrective actions where necessary.

Coordinate with Operations and restaurant management to maintain high standards across all branches.

Support the opening of new outlets and the implementation of standardized kitchen procedures.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of experience in professional kitchen operations, including experience in a senior chef or kitchen management position.

Previous experience as an Assistant Executive Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or equivalent senior culinary role is highly preferred.

Strong knowledge of Turkish, Lebanese, Middle Eastern, or Mediterranean cuisine is an advantage.

Proven experience managing kitchen teams, preferably across multiple restaurant outlets.

Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP principles, hygiene, and kitchen standards.

Strong understanding of food costing, inventory control, menu planning, and wastage management.

Demonstrated leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

Strong commitment to food quality, consistency, discipline, and continuous improvement.

Candidates currently based in the UAE are preferred.

What We Offer

Competitive salary package based on experience and qualifications.

Opportunity to join a growing restaurant brand.

Professional development and career advancement opportunities.

A dynamic, multicultural working environment.

The opportunity to contribute to culinary innovation and operational excellence.

Pay: AED16,000.00 - AED18,000.00 per month

Work Location: Hybrid remote in UAE