Executive Chef

Company Description

Join a hotel that is a member of the Accor network, whose group brings together more than 45 brands, 5,500 hotels, 10,000 restaurants and lifestyle destinations. Here, we believe in you and what you bring to the table. There are many opportunities for development and advancement. Every gesture, every smile, every action, contributes to creating a positive and memorable impact for our customers, our colleagues and also for our planet. Together, we embody the vision of responsible hospitality.

Take the opportunity to become a Heartist®, and let your heart guide you in this world where life beats faster.

Job Description

We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Executive Chef to lead our culinary operations in Baghdad, Iraq. In this pivotal role, you will oversee all aspects of kitchen management, from menu innovation to team leadership, while maintaining the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and guest satisfaction. This is an exceptional opportunity to make your mark in a dynamic culinary environment where creativity, operational excellence, and hospitality converge.

• Lead, mentor, and motivate a large, diverse kitchen team, fostering a collaborative culture where team members feel empowered, supported, and confident in delivering exceptional culinary experiences
• Develop and execute innovative menus that showcase ingredient quality and provenance while maintaining brand integrity and consistency across all dishes
• Manage kitchen operations with analytical precision, including cost control, labor optimization, and resource allocation, while continuously identifying efficient solutions that preserve menu quality
• Oversee food safety, sanitation, and hygiene protocols, ensuring full compliance with HACCP standards and local health regulations
• Organize and execute large-scale events and special dining experiences, consistently finding creative ways to surprise and delight guests
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local suppliers, sourcing the finest ingredients while adapting to regional availability and cultural considerations
• Conduct regular staff training and development programs, ensuring your team stays current with culinary techniques and hospitality best practices
• Analyze kitchen performance metrics, manage budgets, and make data-driven decisions to optimize profitability without compromising quality
• Lead by example, demonstrating resilience, decisiveness, and an open-minded approach to problem-solving and innovation
• Collaborate transparently with front-of-house and management teams to ensure seamless guest and colleague experiences

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of experience as an Executive Chef in a busy, high-volume restaurant or hospitality environment with a demonstrated commitment to ingredient quality and provenance
• Proven track record successfully managing large kitchen teams in fast-paced settings
• Experience with new restaurant openings or pre-opening kitchen setup and organization
• Strong culinary education or formal training in professional cooking and kitchen management
• Current food safety certification (HACCP, food handling, or equivalent) required
• Demonstrated expertise in menu development, costing, and pricing strategies
• Solid understanding of kitchen equipment, food production systems, and operational workflows
• Exceptional financial acumen with proven ability to manage budgets and control costs effectively
• Experience planning and executing large-scale events and special dining experiences
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, develop, and retain talented culinary professionals
• Passion for hospitality and creating memorable experiences for both guests and colleagues
• Analytical mindset with the ability to assess performance metrics and implement continuous improvements
• Willingness to challenge conventional approaches and drive innovation while maintaining brand standards
• Adaptability and resilience in navigating diverse culinary environments and cultural contexts
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with an inclusive, ego-free approach to collaboration
• Proficiency in kitchen management software and point-of-sale systems (preferred)
• Knowledge of local Baghdad sourcing, ingredients, and culinary traditions (preferred)

Additional Information