Company Description
Raffles Udaipur opened in 2021, its ornamental gardens, tumbling fountains and stately Indo-Saracenic architecture describing a love story between India and the West. Set on a 21-acre private island rich with birdlife and exotic flora and fauna, this contemporary reimagining of a country mansion is the first Raffles hotel in India.
Just 20 minutes from the airport, Raffles Udaipur spans a private island and serene lakeshore. Begin your journey with a graceful boat ride, guided by migratory birds. Discover 137 rooms and suites, 10 dining experiences, two pools, wellness rituals, and the timeless care of the Raffles Butler.
Job Description
We are seeking an exceptional and visionary **Executive Chef** to lead our culinary operations at our luxury hospitality establishment in Udaipur, India. Reporting to senior management, you will play a pivotal role in shaping our culinary identity and delivering world-class dining experiences. This executive position offers the opportunity to oversee comprehensive culinary operations, from strategic planning and menu development to operational excellence, ensuring alignment with our brand standards, guest expectations, and organizational vision.
The successful candidate will be a passionate culinary leader with extensive luxury hospitality experience, strong commercial acumen, and a proven track record of creating exceptional food experiences within upscale resort or hotel environments.
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Lead the overall culinary strategy and vision, creating a distinctive food and beverage offering that reflects the organization's commitment to excellence and guest satisfaction
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Develop and implement innovative culinary concepts across multiple dining venues, ensuring creativity and authenticity in every offering
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Partner with ownership, corporate teams, and operational leaders to ensure the culinary offering supports the property's positioning and commercial objectives
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Drive menu development, culinary storytelling, and guest experience innovation while maintaining the highest standards of quality and presentation
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Oversee all culinary operations, ensuring consistent delivery of exceptional food quality, presentation, and service standards across all outlets
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Establish and maintain international culinary standards aligned with brand expectations and local market preferences
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Develop and manage culinary budgets, food cost targets, and operational forecasts to drive profitability
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Implement effective menu engineering, purchasing strategies, portion control, and cost optimization initiatives
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Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, HACCP standards, and local regulatory requirements
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Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing culinary team, fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence
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Recruit, train, mentor, and develop culinary talent to create a strong succession pipeline
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Establish strong relationships with suppliers, vendors, and key stakeholders to optimize sourcing and product quality
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Drive continuous improvement through regular quality reviews, guest feedback analysis, and culinary innovation
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Support marketing and public relations initiatives through culinary storytelling, special events, and signature dining experiences
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Promote knowledge sharing, innovation, and continuous learning within the culinary team and across departments
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Balance commercial performance with exceptional guest experiences, ensuring sustainable profitability
Qualifications
**Required Qualifications:**
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Proven experience as an Executive Chef within an international luxury hotel, resort, or large-scale hospitality environment
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Strong background managing complex culinary operations across multiple restaurants, concepts, and cuisines
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Demonstrated expertise in culinary financial management, including food cost analysis, menu engineering, and operational efficiencies
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Exceptional creativity, leadership, and team-building capabilities with a track record of developing high-performing culinary teams
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Strong understanding of food safety protocols, HACCP standards, and compliance with health and sanitation regulations
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Ability to balance culinary innovation with commercial performance and profitability objectives
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with ownership, corporate teams, and operational leaders
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Proven experience in menu development, culinary concept creation, and guest experience design
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Strong organizational and analytical skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and drive results
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Passion for creating memorable guest experiences through exceptional culinary journeys
**Preferred Qualifications:**
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Experience in luxury resort or all-inclusive hospitality environments
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Background in pre-opening luxury properties or new culinary concept launches
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Familiarity with diverse culinary traditions and international cuisines, particularly relevant to the Indian market
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Experience managing large-scale kitchen operations with multiple stations and specialized cuisines
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Proven supplier relationship management and vendor negotiation experience
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Track record of successful staff recruitment, training, and development initiatives
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Experience with inventory management systems and waste reduction programs
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Knowledge of local sourcing opportunities and regional culinary ingredients in India
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Demonstrated ability to represent culinary vision internally and externally through marketing and promotional activities
Additional Information
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An opportunity to be with world’s preferred hospitality company
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Captivating and rewarding experience working alongside passionate professionals
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Range of exclusive Heartist Benefits
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Develop your talent through learning programs by Academy Accor.
