Executive Chef (Pre-opening) - Hilton Dammam Airport

Executive Chef (Pre-opening) – Hilton Dammam Airport

Join Hilton, a globally renowned hospitality leader, as our Executive Chef (Pre-opening) at the prestigious Hilton Dammam Airport. This pivotal role is designed for a culinary visionary with a passion for excellence, innovation, and operational leadership. As part of our pre-opening team, you will play a critical role in shaping the culinary identity of this landmark property, ensuring seamless execution from concept to launch.

In this dynamic position, you will oversee the development of a world-class dining experience, aligning with Hilton’s commitment to exceptional service and guest satisfaction. Your expertise will be instrumental in refining menus, optimizing kitchen workflows, and fostering a culture of culinary creativity and precision. This is an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the hospitality landscape of Dammam, driving both operational efficiency and guest delight.

Key Responsibilities:

• Menu Development & Execution: Lead the creation of a diverse, high-quality menu that reflects Hilton’s global standards while catering to the unique preferences of our guests. Collaborate with culinary teams to ensure consistency, innovation, and adherence to food safety protocols.
• Pre-opening Leadership: Drive the pre-opening phase, including kitchen setup, equipment installation, staff training, and operational readiness. Ensure all culinary and service standards are met before the property’s official launch.
• Team Management: Mentor and guide culinary staff, fostering a collaborative and high-performing team. Develop training programs to elevate skill sets and maintain Hilton’s reputation for excellence.
• Supplier & Vendor Coordination: Partner with local and international suppliers to source premium ingredients while managing costs and sustainability initiatives. Negotiate contracts and ensure timely deliveries to support seamless operations.
• Quality Assurance: Implement rigorous quality control measures to uphold Hilton’s culinary standards. Conduct regular inspections, taste tests, and feedback sessions to refine offerings continuously.
• Cost & Inventory Management: Monitor food costs, waste reduction, and inventory levels to optimize profitability without compromising quality. Utilize industry best practices to enhance operational efficiency.
• Guest Experience Innovation: Stay ahead of culinary trends and incorporate them into the dining experience. Engage with guests to gather insights and tailor offerings to their evolving expectations.

Why This Role Matters:

As the Executive Chef for Hilton Dammam Airport, you will be at the forefront of defining a new benchmark in airport hospitality. This role offers a unique opportunity to blend culinary artistry with operational leadership, contributing to the success of one of the most iconic properties in the region. Hilton’s global platform provides unparalleled resources, training, and recognition for those who drive excellence in every aspect of our operations.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Candidates for this position must possess:

• A proven track record as an Executive Chef or Senior Culinary Leader in a high-volume, high-standard hospitality environment.
• Extensive experience in menu development, kitchen management, and staff training, with a focus on delivering premium dining experiences.
• A deep understanding of food safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainability practices within the culinary industry.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire teams and collaborate across departments.
• Familiarity with Hilton’s global standards and brand values, or a willingness to align with them.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and the resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, pre-opening environment.

If you are a culinary professional with a passion for innovation, operational excellence, and guest-centric dining, we invite you to be part of Hilton’s legacy in Dammam. This is more than a job—it’s an opportunity to shape the future of hospitality.