Executive Chef

START YOUR JOURNEY WITH US

Can you imagine waking up to the sound of silence where the horizon stretches endlessly and the desert whispers stories of centuries past
Welcome to Al Maha a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa a timeless sanctuary hidden among the rolling dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Here every sunrise paints the sands in gold and every moment invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature with purpose and with yourself.
Among lush palm groves and desert wildlife our 42 private pool villas offer a world apart a place where luxury feels natural and authenticity breathes in every detail from handcrafted interiors to views that blur the line between sky and earth.

Our story is one of heritage passion and belonging and now it could be yours too.
Join a team that brings the spirit of Arabia to life crafting experiences as unforgettable as the desert itself.

LOVE WHAT YOU DO EVEN MORE

At Marriott we believe exceptional guest experiences begin with how we treat our associates.
At Al Maha youll become part of a close-knit family that values passion purpose and pride in what we do.

Were looking for talented and dedicated individuals to join our team and in return we offer you the following:

• A career with limitless horizons from the golden dunes of Al Maha to over 8000 Marriott hotels worldwide where new opportunities await.
• Professional growth and mentorship guided by some of the regions most accomplished hoteliers.
• Competitive salary and benefits including on-property accommodation and full-board meals.
• Exclusive Marriott privileges discounted stays and dining plus special rates for friends and family.
• Comprehensive medical and life insurance coverage.
• All the tools resources and support you need to excel every day.

OUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE ROLE:

The following are specific responsibilities and contributions critical to the successful performance of the position:

Culinary Leadership Vision

To lead a dynamic future-focused culinary operation that is constantly evolving culturally relevant and benchmarked against Dubais fast-moving and highly competitive dining scene. This role sets the culinary vision for the property remains ahead of global and regional food trends and translates innovation into consistent high-quality guest experiences. The leader is present in the kitchen leads from the front mentors the team by example and drives excellence through passion discipline and creativity.

Leading Culinary & Kitchen Operations

• Lead inspire and develop a high-performance culinary leadership team aligned with the propertys vision and brand standards.
• Set clear direction for all day-to-day kitchen operations while maintaining agility to adapt to changing guest expectations and market trends.
• Maintain a strong on-the-floor presence actively working alongside the team during service events and peak periods.
• Possess a deep understanding of all kitchen roles enabling seamless coverage effective decision-making and operational continuity.
• Set clear performance standards monitor results and hold leaders accountable through coaching and regular feedback.
• Lead with integrity transparency and commercial awareness balancing creativity with strong financial discipline.
• Foster a culture of trust collaboration and mutual respect across all culinary teams.
• Ensure staffing structures support service excellence operational efficiency and financial targets.
• Champion open communication actively seek associate feedback and translate insights into meaningful action.
• Supervise coordinate and continuously upskill cooks and kitchen associates.
• Personally demonstrate new cooking techniques equipment and modern culinary practices.

Culinary Strategy Innovation & Goal Setting

• Define and execute a clear culinary strategy that keeps the offering current relevant and competitive within Dubais evolving food scene.
• Drive menu development that balances creativity authenticity sustainability and guest appeal.
• Establish clear performance financial and team development goals aligned with business objectives.
• Implement robust purchasing receiving and inventory controls to protect quality and margins.
• Actively manage food cost supplies equipment and uniforms to deliver strong departmental performance.
• Lead departmental budgeting and forecasting with a strong understanding of revenue drivers and cost controls.
• Champion safety hygiene and brand compliance at all times.

Culinary Standards Quality & Consistency

• Set uncompromising standards for product quality presentation flavour and consistency.
• Personally oversee food presentation standards and elevate visual storytelling through refined plating and displays.
• Ensure strict compliance with food safety sanitation and temperature control standards.
• Maintain best-practice purchasing receiving storage and stock rotation procedures.
• Ensure all associates hold required food safety certifications and operate to the highest hygiene standards.
• Remain actively involved in cooking for special events VIP guests and signature experiences.

Guest Experience & Service Excellence

• Champion a guest-centric culinary culture that consistently exceeds expectations.
• Actively engage with guests to gather feedback build relationships and refine the dining experience.
• Translate guest insights reviews and data into tangible service and product improvements.
• Lead by example in hospitality presence and professionalism creating memorable dining moments.
• Empower associates with clear guidelines training and confidence to deliver personalised service.
• Proactively resolve guest concerns with professionalism empathy and urgency.

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Identify develop and mentor culinary talent with a focus on succession planning and internal growth.
• Create a high-engagement kitchen culture built on fairness inclusion accountability and pride.
• Deliver structured training in culinary fundamentals modern techniques and refined presentation.
• Conduct performance reviews that are transparent developmental and future-focused.
• Address performance and conduct matters professionally and in line with company SOPs and LSOPs.
• Act as a role model for leadership work ethic and personal standards.

Management & Business Acumen

• Communicate effectively with executive leadership peers and teams across all levels.
• Analyse data trends and operational results to make informed forward-thinking decisions.
• Balance creativity with commercial performance ensuring sustainable profitability.
• Continuously refine kitchen structures workflows and resources to support business growth.

Core Management Competencies

Leadership

• Adaptability and change leadership in a fast-moving market
• Clear confident and influential communication
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability
• Professional presence aligned with brand values

Execution & Results

• Team building and collaboration
• Driving performance and accountability
• Strong planning prioritization and organization

Relationships & Culture

• Collaborative cross-departmental partnerships
• Guest-centric mindset
• Global and cultural awareness

Talent & Capability

• Developing future leaders
• Building sustainable organizational capability

Professional Expertise

• Continuous learning and applied innovation
• Strong business and financial acumen
• Advanced technical culinary expertise

Safety Compliance & Brand Standards

• Uphold the highest standards of safety hygiene and security.
• Ensure full compliance with company resort and brand policies.
• Protect guest privacy confidential information and company assets.

Maintain exemplary personal presentation and professional conduct

In joining Marriott Hotels you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International. Be where you can do your best work begin your purpose belong to an amazing global team and become the best version of you.

Marriott International is an equal opportunity believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive people-first are committed to non-discrimination onanyprotectedbasis such as disability and veteran status or any other basis covered under applicable law.