R&D Chef

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced R&D Chef / Food Technologist to lead our diverse culinary operations. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing innovative menu concepts for a gastronomic brew pub featuring global cuisines, while specializing in healthy, nutritional, and lifestyle-focused food offerings for our cafe. This is an excellent opportunity for a senior culinary professional looking to make a significant impact in health-conscious dining and multicultural cuisine development. The selected candidate will serve as the primary resource for all culinary operations. Given our people-centric business model, the ability to work efficiently under time constraints is both essential and critical to our success.

Key Responsibilities

Primary Duties:

• Recipe formulation and development across International, Continental, Italian, French, Lebanese, Indian, Chinese, and Arabic cuisines
• Create and curate health-focused menu items including vegan, gluten-free, and nutritional offerings for lifestyle reversal programs
• Lead culinary innovation through experimental cooking techniques and contemporary food presentation
• Conduct sensory tasting sessions and menu optimization to ensure exceptional food quality and customer satisfaction
• Implement and maintain food safety protocols including PIC and HACCP compliance standards

Additional Responsibilities:

• Manage kitchen budgets and implement cost reduction strategies without compromising quality
• Oversee resource procurement, vendor relationships, and comprehensive inventory management
• Lead and mentor kitchen staff in a multicultural working environment
• Develop standard operating procedures for food preparation and presentation techniques
• Collaborate with nutrition specialists to develop lifestyle-focused meal programs

Required Qualifications

Education:

• Culinary Arts degree from accredited institution or equivalent professional experience
• Food Safety certifications (PIC, HACCP) (preferred)
• Additional certifications/ accolades in nutrition or healthy cooking (preferred)

Experience:

• Minimum 8-10 years of professional culinary experience in chef roles
• Proven expertise in multiple international cuisines: Continental, Italian, French, Lebanese, Indian, Chinese, and Arabic
• Extensive experience in healthy, nutritional, vegan, and gluten-free food preparation
• Demonstrated success in recipe formulation and menu development
• Experience working in multicultural kitchen environments

Technical Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of modern plating and food presentation techniques
• Expertise in innovative and experimental culinary approaches
• Strong understanding of nutritional principles and lifestyle-focused cuisine
• Proficiency in kitchen management software and inventory systems
• Advanced sensory evaluation and food tasting capabilities

Core Competencies:

• Exceptional culinary creativity and innovation skills
• Strong budget management and cost control abilities
• Leadership skills for managing diverse, multicultural teams
• Resource procurement and vendor management expertise
• Excellent understanding of food safety, sanitation, and HACCP protocols
• Ability to curate specialized menus for health and lifestyle programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced culinary degree or specialized training in international cuisines
• Certification in nutritional cooking or wellness cuisine
• Experience in health and wellness hospitality or medical nutrition programs
• Knowledge of dietary restrictions and therapeutic cooking approaches
• Previous experience in upscale restaurants, hotels, or health-focused establishments
• Multilingual capabilities to support diverse team communication
• Experience with lifestyle reversal or nutrition therapy programs