Chef de Cuisine – Culinary Leadership, Contemporary British Cuisine & European Bistro Excellence at Kimpton Sevn Dubai (Pre-Opening)

Role Overview

Chef de Cuisine – Culinary Leadership at Apsley, Kimpton Sevn Dubai (Pre-Opening). Apsley is a contemporary dining destination at Kimpton Sevn Dubai inspired by British aristocratic tradition and European bistro culture, located in Dubai.

Company Overview

Kimpton Sevn Dubai is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's most respected hospitality groups. The property operates a culture of connection, craft, and care, built on personal, thoughtful, and distinctly human values where diverse perspectives strengthen culture and inspire creativity.

Role Purpose

As Chef de Cuisine, you lead the Apsley kitchen to bring a contemporary British and Mediterranean-inspired culinary vision to life. You ensure exceptional execution, operational excellence, and leadership of a professional kitchen brigade while delivering refined yet approachable dining experiences rooted in heritage, innovation, and contemporary relevance.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations

• Oversee daily culinary operations across all meal periods from breakfast through dinner
• Ensure smooth service execution and maintain consistency in flavour, presentation, and quality standards throughout all dining periods

Culinary Leadership

• Lead, train, and inspire a professional kitchen brigade
• Conduct daily briefings and service preparation sessions
• Drive performance, accountability, and team engagement
• Develop talent capable of delivering refined and consistent execution
• Manage kitchen brigade performance, development, and succession planning

Menu Execution & Quality Control

• Execute contemporary British and Mediterranean-inspired menus with precision
• Ensure consistency, balance, and attention to detail across all dishes
• Maintain strict quality control and presentation standards
• Ensure every dish reflects the elegance and identity of Apsley

Cost Control & Kitchen Management

• Monitor food cost, wastage, and inventory management
• Support procurement and supplier relationships
• Optimise productivity while maintaining premium standards

Hygiene & Compliance

• Maintain HACCP, food safety, and hygiene standards
• Ensure compliance with operational and regulatory requirements
• Conduct regular audits and corrective actions

Pre-Opening Support

• Support kitchen setup and operational readiness
• Assist in menu testing, recipe development, and standardisation
• Participate in training, mock services, and concept calibration
• Contribute to SOP development and culinary opening preparations

Qualifications & Experience

• Culinary qualification or equivalent professional certification preferred
• 5–8 years culinary experience in upscale or luxury dining environments
• Minimum 2–3 years in a senior kitchen leadership role
• Experience in British, European, Mediterranean, or bistro-style dining preferred
• Pre-opening experience is an advantage
• GCC/Dubai experience beneficial

Skills & Competencies

• Professional and inspiring leadership style
• Strong appreciation for culinary heritage and craftsmanship
• Calm, composed, and highly organised under pressure
• Detail-oriented with exceptional execution standards
• Collaborative and team-focused approach
• Passionate about delivering memorable dining experiences through quality, consistency, and hospitality
• Strong technical culinary expertise

Additional Information

• Reports to the Cluster Director of Culinary
• Kimpton Sevn Dubai offers competitive compensation and global travel privileges as part of IHG Hotels & Resorts
• Career growth opportunities available within a globally respected hospitality group
• myWellbeing framework actively supports physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing of team members
• Equal opportunity employer committed to fair and inclusive employment regardless of race, colour, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital or family status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law