Description
About the ConceptWe are creating a new-generation Italian trattoria that brings together authentic Italian cuisine, contemporary hospitality, interactive dining, and a curated Italian retail experience.The concept will celebrate Italy through its regions, traditions, ingredients, craftsmanship, and culture — interpreted in a modern, vibrant, and approachable environment.We are seeking an Italian Chef de Cuisine who can bring genuine Italian culinary identity and cultural understanding to the concept and play a key role in developing the restaurant from the ground up.The RoleThe Chef de Cuisine will lead the day-to-day culinary operation and work closely with the Executive Chefto establish the restaurant's culinary direction, menus, kitchen standards, recipes, systems, and team culture.This is a hands-on leadership position for an experienced Italian chef who understands both the heritage of Italian cuisine and how to translate it into a modern, commercially successful restaurant experience.Key ResponsibilitiesCulinary LeadershipLead and oversee all day-to-day kitchen operations.Develop and execute authentic Italian menus with a contemporary point of view.Bring a strong understanding of Italy's regional cuisines, ingredients, traditions, and culinary techniques.Oversee handmade pasta, sauces, breads, antipasti, meat, seafood, and Italian desserts.Develop seasonal menus that showcase Italian ingredients and regional influences.Establish and maintain recipes, specifications, presentation standards, and consistency.Be actively present on the pass and during service.Collaborate with the Executive Chef / Culinary Director on the evolution of the concept.Italian Product & RetailThe restaurant will incorporate a dedicated Italian retail component, connecting the dining experience with the products and ingredients that define Italian food culture.The Chef will play an important role in:Identifying and selecting authentic Italian products and producers.Developing the retail product assortment alongside the culinary and management teams.Ensuring quality and authenticity of imported Italian products.Creating opportunities for guests to discover Italian ingredients through the restaurant.Developing products, sauces, pasta, baked goods, or other culinary items that can potentially bridge the restaurant and retail experience.Sharing knowledge and storytelling around Italian regional products and traditions.Interactive Guest ExperienceCreate an energetic and engaging kitchen culture that contributes to the guest experience.Develop interactive culinary moments around pasta, cooking, ingredients, and Italian traditions.Work closely with the front-of-house team to ensure food and hospitality tell one consistent story.Participate in chef demonstrations, tastings, events, and special culinary activations where appropriate.Help make the restaurant a destination for Italian food, culture, and discovery.Team LeadershipRecruit, train, coach, and develop the kitchen team.Build a strong culture based on discipline, respect, teamwork, and pride in Italian cuisine.Train the team on Italian ingredients, techniques, recipes, and culinary philosophy.Establish clear kitchen standards and systems.Develop junior talent and create opportunities for career progression.Lead by example with a hands-on approach.Operational & Commercial ResponsibilitiesManage food costs, labor, purchasing, waste, and kitchen productivity.Oversee ordering, receiving, storage, preparation, and inventory.Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and producers.Ensure accurate recipe costing and portion control.Monitor menu performance and contribute to commercially viable menu development.Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen organization.Candidate ProfileProven experience as a Chef de Cuisine or similar role with strong professional background in Italian cuisine.Deep knowledge of Italian regional cooking and culinary traditions.Excellent technical understanding of fresh pasta and traditional Italian preparations.Experience working in high-quality restaurants, trattorias, contemporary Italian concepts, or similar environments.Strong leadership and team-management experience.Excellent understanding of food cost, kitchen operations, and menu development.Native Italian and strong English communication skills.International hospitality experience is highly valued.Please submit your CV, culinary portfolio, and a brief introduction outlining your experience, culinary background, and approach to modern Italian cuisine.