Cook

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Cook to join our team at the Marine Security Guard Residence (MSGR), U.S. Consulate General Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This is a full-time position requiring an individual with a passion for culinary excellence and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food service. The successful candidate will prepare and serve nutritious, well-balanced meals for a team of approximately eight U.S. Marine Security Guards while ensuring compliance with all food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations. This role demands a proactive approach to menu planning, inventory management, and kitchen operations to deliver exceptional dining experiences in a professional and secure environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Meal Preparation and Service: Prepare and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily within specified meal service hours (Breakfast: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM, Lunch: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, Dinner: 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM). Ensure meals are consistently presented with proper portion sizes and high-quality standards.
• Collaborative Menu Planning: Work closely with the Marine Detachment Mess Non-Commissioned Officer (Mess NCO) to develop weekly and monthly meal plans that offer variety and nutritional balance while accommodating dietary preferences and operational needs.
• Inventory and Supply Management: Assist in grocery planning, food storage, and inventory tracking to ensure adequate supplies are available. Monitor stock levels and promptly notify the Government when replenishment is required to avoid disruptions in service.
• Kitchen and Equipment Maintenance: Maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen, dining areas, dishes, cooking equipment, and appliances after each meal. Properly care for Government-furnished kitchen equipment and report any maintenance issues immediately to ensure operational efficiency.
• Food Safety and Compliance: Adhere strictly to food safety regulations, hygiene standards, and safe food handling practices throughout all stages of food preparation, storage, and service. Maintain a professional appearance and comply with all U.S. Consulate security policies and workplace standards.
• Independent Work Ethic: Demonstrate the ability to work autonomously while upholding high standards of cleanliness, organization, and customer service. Ensure a seamless and professional dining experience for all residents and staff.

Qualifications and Requirements

To qualify for this role, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Professional Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of experience in managing food service operations, with a proven track record in a restaurant, hotel, military dining facility, institutional kitchen, or similar high-volume environment.
• Culinary Expertise: Demonstrated ability to prepare premium-quality meals and execute food service at a professional standard, with a focus on presentation, flavor, and nutritional balance.
• Operational Knowledge: Strong understanding of menu planning, food preparation techniques, storage protocols, inventory management, and kitchen sanitation best practices.
• Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations, including safe food handling, storage, and cross-contamination prevention measures.
• Health and Fitness: Physically capable of performing the duties of the role, including standing for extended periods, lifting and carrying kitchen equipment or supplies, and working in a fast-paced environment. Must be medically certified free of communicable diseases.
• Communication Skills: Proficient in English, with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with team members and residents. Strong interpersonal skills to foster a positive and professional work environment.
• Security Clearance: Ability to successfully complete a thorough background investigation and security screening to obtain access to the U.S. Consulate premises.
• Professionalism: Commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient workspace while delivering exceptional customer service and adhering to all workplace standards.

This is an excellent opportunity for a dedicated culinary professional to contribute to the well-being and satisfaction of our Marine Security Guard team in a prestigious and secure diplomatic setting. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to take on this challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to apply.