The hierarchy of a professional commercial kitchen is always a well-defined one, with clearly set out levels of responsibilities and tasks. At the topmost position of this hierarchy is the Head Chef or Executive Chef. You can easily recognize him in any kitchen environment, because he or she will be the one wearing a fancy and elegant chef coat, together with the tallest chef hat, or Toque.
It is very easy to know the kitchen hierarchy from the uniforms of the staff, especially from the hat, since the height of the Toque will reduce as they move down the hierarchy, with the kitchen helpers and junior cooks wearing skull hats or beanies.
The Executive Chef in Saudi Arabia of any commercial kitchen is the head of the department and is responsible for the overall operations of his division. They take on more of a managerial role and participate in the decision-making processes of the business with the other senior managers, to ensure a smooth and profitable operation. They may not actually cook anything, since they have many under their department to do the actual work, however, they may on occasion create new dishes or prepare special meals for VIP guests.
Here are some of the other responsibilities of an Executive Chef:
Menu planning - Planning the menu, creating special dishes for daily and weekly serving, creating menus for functions and special occasions, as well as managing and planning portion sizes are all a part of an Executive Chef's responsibilities. They will also decide on what dishes cannot be served on a certain day, depending on the availability of ingredients, especially the seasonal dishes on the menu.
Managing - While managing the staff and the kitchen operations are their main responsibility, they will also ensure that the food being prepared and sent out to customers is of the standard and quality expected, and are consistent in presentation, quantity, etc.
Cost control - Since this role is of a managerial position, they are responsible for controlling the costs within the department, such as reducing food cost, food waste, etc and coming up with innovative solutions for these issues. They will also assist in the costing and pricing of dishes, according to the ingredients being used.
Training - They will ensure that the junior staff are getting the right training in terms of procedures, food preparation, health, and safety, etc, and will constantly monitor the staff under their purview to ensure that they are adhering to the set standards of the company.
Stock Control - Ensuring that the necessary stocks are maintained for food preparation service, while still controlling stock expenses. They will also need to ensure that the best produce and ingredients are being purchased at competitive rates. At times, locating good suppliers for products may also be handled by the Chef, since he or she is aware of the quality needed to maintain the standards of the restaurant.
Health & safety - The executive chef will also be responsible for ensuring that proper health and safety standards are being maintained in the kitchen in accordance with local laws and regulations and that the other staff are well trained and made aware of the same. They will monitor and ensure that the daily, weekly, monthly, and regular deep cleaning practices are maintained.
Staffing - Maintaining the staff count is also a responsibility that the head chef will need to bear so that there is no hindrance to the operations of the kitchen at any given time. They should be able to fulfill the human resource needs of their kitchen by effectively hiring and training staff, as well as by ensuring that there is low staff turnover, since regularly replacing staff members who leave will mean higher costs and longer time periods taken for training and development.
As you can see, an Executive Chef has many responsibilities and needs to ensure that overall, the kitchen function goes ahead without any disturbances, and according to the high standards set by the restaurant or hotel. As the saying goes, "Heavy lies the head that wears the crown", and certainly the Head Chef has much on his mind in terms of responsibilities and accountability.
It must also be remembered that although the head chef may be an imposing figure in the department, with his white Chef coat and Toque, he is also the person who is responsible to ensure that everyone works well together without any issues or problems. The kitchen team is a close-knit one, working as a family unit, and the head of the department is looked upon by the others as a father-figure in a family.
Culinary Innovation Beyond Borders:
The role of an Executive Chef extends beyond the geographical boundaries of Saudi Arabia. It's an opportunity to showcase the Kingdom's culinary prowess on the global stage. Collaborate with international chefs, participate in culinary events, and contribute to the global dialogue on gastronomy. As an Executive Chef in Saudi Arabia, your influence resonates far beyond the kitchen doors.
Cultural Immersion through Cuisine:
Saudi Arabia's culinary scene is a gateway to cultural immersion. Beyond the act of cooking, you'll find yourself exploring bustling markets, engaging with local vendors, and discovering unique ingredients. It's a hands-on experience that allows you to connect intimately with the cultural fabric of the Kingdom, infusing authenticity into every dish you create.
Leadership in Culinary Excellence:
As an Executive Chef, you're not just a culinary artist; you're a leader in culinary excellence. Your role extends to mentoring and inspiring culinary teams, fostering a culture of creativity and innovation in the kitchen. Whether it's introducing novel menu concepts, leading sustainability initiatives, or setting high standards for kitchen operations, your influence resonates throughout the culinary sphere.
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Elevate your career, savor the richness of Saudi Arabian gastronomy, and contact us today to unlock a world of culinary possibilities. Trust Alliance Recruitment Agency to be your compass, guiding you through a global culinary expedition with precision, expertise, and personalized support – contact with us now for your culinary breakthrough.
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