Director of Culinary at Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah

About the Company

Accor is a global hospitality leader committed to welcoming you as you are, offering career opportunities that align with your personality and ambitions. At Accor, employees are supported to grow and learn daily, ensuring their work is purposeful and allows them to explore limitless possibilities within the organization.

Role Overview

The Director of Culinary at Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah leads and manages all culinary operations in the hotel. This role ensures excellence in food quality, innovation, hygiene, and operational efficiency across all dining outlets, banquets, and culinary divisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement the culinary vision and strategies that align with Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah's business goals and brand identity.
• Design and innovate menus for restaurants, banquets, in-room dining, and special events, featuring a blend of international and Saudi flavors tailored to guest preferences.
• Ensure the culinary offerings meet the standards and cultural considerations of a luxury international clientele.
• Continuously enhance food concepts, presentation, recipes, and culinary methods.
• Collaborate with Food & Beverage leadership to create exceptional dining experiences that increase guest satisfaction.
• Manage kitchen operations ensuring consistent quality in taste, presentation, portion sizes, and service.
• Maintain exemplary culinary standards throughout all food production areas.
• Oversee high-volume service executions including buffets, banquets, VIP functions, and busy periods linked to religious tourism.
• Perform regular inspections and quality assessments to ensure compliance with brand practices.
• Coordinate effectively among culinary, stewarding, purchasing, and F&B teams.
• Assure adherence to HACCP, food safety, and hygiene regulations as well as Accor's operational standards.
• Uphold rigorous cleanliness, proper food handling, storage, and preparation methods.
• Train culinary teams to maintain full compliance with food safety protocols.
• Implement continuous improvements in food quality and minimize operational risks.
• Assume full responsibility for the culinary department’s financial outcomes, including food costs, labor productivity, and efficiency.
• Prepare and control culinary budgets, forecasts, and strategic plans to meet financial targets.
• Monitor food cost management through menu engineering, recipe costing, strict portion control, and waste reduction.
• Partner with Purchasing and Finance to optimize supplier relations and procure quality ingredients cost-effectively.
• Seek and apply cost optimization measures without compromising product quality or guest experience.
• Lead a diverse, multicultural culinary team through mentorship, communication, and performance guidance.
• Foster a workplace culture that values excellence, innovation, accountability, and ongoing learning.
• Develop succession plans and support career advancement opportunities within the culinary department.
• Ensure all culinary staff (Heartists) are trained in culinary standards, safety procedures, and Sofitel’s service culture.
• Promote inclusion, diversity, and employee engagement within the team.
• Champion sustainability efforts in culinary operations, including waste reduction, responsible sourcing, and efficient resource use.
• Support Accor’s environmental commitments by integrating sustainable practices into kitchen workflows.
• Encourage development of sustainable menus and responsible food production initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent culinary qualification.
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in culinary roles within luxury hotels, including senior leadership positions.
• Expertise in banqueting, buffet management, and high-volume food preparation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of global cuisines, culinary trends, and menu creation.
• Strong understanding of cost control, budgeting, forecasting, and profitability management.
• Familiarity with HACCP standards, food safety regulations, and halal food protocols.
• Proficiency in English; Arabic language skills considered advantageous.

Additional Details

Diversity & Inclusion: Sofitel Jabal Omar Makkah is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment, actively seeking to attract and promote diverse talent across all roles.