The Junior Sous Chef Arabic Cuisine is responsible for overseeing the preparation, production, and presentation of authentic Arabic cuisine while ensuring the highest standards of quality, consistency, food safety, and guest satisfaction. The role supports the Executive Chef and Sous Chef in managing the Arabic kitchen section, maintaining food cost targets, supervising kitchen associates, and ensuring compliance with company standards and local food safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations

• Take ownership of the Arabic cuisine section, ensuring smooth day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Prepare and present authentic Arabic dishes in accordance with approved recipes, presentation standards, and portion specifications.
• Ensure all food produced meets company standards for quality, consistency, taste, temperature, and visual presentation.
• Coordinate daily food preparation based on business levels, forecasts, occupancy, and function requirements.
• Prepare daily mise en place to ensure timely and efficient service during all meal periods.
• Maintain full knowledge of Arabic cuisine, including traditional and contemporary cooking methods, regional specialties, spices, ingredients, and presentation styles.
• Assist in developing seasonal menus, buffet offerings, and special promotions featuring Arabic cuisine.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared and served according to standard recipes and portion control guidelines.
• Monitor food quality throughout preparation and service, taking immediate corrective action when required.
• Support banquet, buffet, la carte, and special event operations as required.

Food Safety & Hygiene

• Ensure strict compliance with HACCP principles, food safety standards, sanitation procedures, and local health regulations.
• Monitor food storage, labeling, stock rotation (FIFO), and temperature control to maintain product quality and safety.
• Conduct daily checks of all kitchen stations to ensure cleanliness, organization, and proper sanitation.
• Maintain the highest standards of personal hygiene and ensure compliance by all team members.
• Report any equipment faults or maintenance issues promptly.

Inventory & Cost Control

• Assist in monitoring food costs, minimizing waste, and maximizing productivity.
• Participate in receiving, inspecting, and storing food deliveries according to company procedures.
• Prepare daily production sheets and assist with inventory counts.
• Ensure proper utilization of ingredients to reduce food waste while maintaining quality standards.
• Support accurate stock control and requisition procedures.

Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise, coach, and support Commis Chefs and Kitchen Assistants within the Arabic kitchen section.
• Provide on-the-job training in Arabic cooking techniques, food presentation, hygiene standards, and kitchen procedures.
• Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative working environment.
• Assist the Sous Chef and Executive Chef in evaluating staff performance and identifying development opportunities.
• Promote teamwork and effective communication across all kitchen sections.

Guest Experience

• Ensure every dish served reflects the highest culinary standards and enhances the guest dining experience.
• Respond promptly and professionally to guest feedback and special dietary requests whenever possible.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance guest satisfaction and operational excellence.

Administration

• Prepare and maintain required kitchen documentation, including production sheets, temperature logs, cleaning schedules, and inventory records.
• Attend departmental meetings, training sessions, and briefings as required.
• Communicate effectively with the Executive Chef, Sous Chef, and Food & Beverage team regarding operational requirements and service updates.
• Perform any additional duties assigned by management in support of business needs.

Leadership Competencies

• Lead by example through professionalism, integrity, and commitment to excellence.
• Motivate and mentor junior team members to achieve high performance.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, coaching, performance reviews, and disciplinary processes when required.
• Promote an open-door culture that encourages communication, teamwork, and continuous learning.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of authentic Arabic cuisine, including Levantine, Gulf, and Middle Eastern cooking techniques.
• Excellent culinary skills with attention to detail and presentation.
• Strong understanding of food safety, HACCP, sanitation, and hygiene practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and communication abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a diverse team.
• Flexible to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays based on operational requirements.

Alongside these key competencies, the incumbent of the role will be required to demonstrate the fundamentals of the company's Count on Me! service culture to be responsive, respectful and deliver a great experience.

Desired Candidate Profile

Diploma or Certificate in Culinary Arts or Professional Cookery. Minimum of 3 years' experience as a Junior Sous Chef Arabic Cuisine specializing in Arabic Cuisine within a hotel, resort, or high-volume restaurant. Demonstrated experience preparing authentic Arabic dishes, including hot and cold mezze, grills, traditional rice dishes, soups, breads, and desserts. HACCP, Food Safety, or Food Hygiene certification preferred. Knowledge of international hotel standards and quality systems is an advantage. Levant Cuisine expertise required.