Culinary Operations Director

**Job Summary** Al Barakah Restaurant is seeking an experienced Culinary Operations Director to oversee culinary strategy, kitchen operations, menu innovation, and quality standardisation across our Rome location and expanding dining concepts. In this senior leadership role, you will bridge fine culinary art with operational efficiency—managing kitchen production, optimizing supply chain costs, enforcing strict food safety protocols, and leading a high\-performing multi\-cultural culinary team. **Key Responsibilities** * **Culinary Strategy \& Menu Engineering:** Design and execute authentic, high\-margin menus that honor traditional recipes while innovating for contemporary guest preferences in Rome. * **Operational Excellence:** Standardize kitchen workflows, food prep schedules, portion control, and plate presentation across all shifts to guarantee consistency and speed of service. * **Cost Control \& Supply Chain:** Manage food cost percentages (COGS), labor cost budgets, inventory turn rates, and strategic vendor negotiations with local Italian and regional suppliers. * **Food Safety \& Compliance:** Ensure total compliance with Italian food hygiene laws (HACCP regulations), health codes, sanitation standards, and international Halal certification requirements. * **Team Leadership \& Development:** Recruit, train, and mentor head chefs, line cooks, and kitchen staff—fostering a culture of accountability, kitchen safety, and culinary craftsmanship. * **Financial Reporting:** Partner with upper management to review monthly kitchen P\&L reports, waste management data, and labor productivity metrics to drive profitability. **Qualifications \& Requirements** * **Experience:** 8\+ years of progressive kitchen leadership, including at least 3\+ years as an Executive Chef, Director of Culinary, or Culinary Operations Manager in high\-volume or multi\-unit restaurants. * **Track Record:** Proven expertise in menu engineering, kitchen layout design, supply chain optimization, and strict food cost management. * **Compliance \& Certifications:** Certified in HACCP protocols and deep operational familiarity with Halal dietary guidelines and certification standards. * **Skills:** Strong financial acumen, vendor management, team building, and proficiency in restaurant management software (POS, inventory, and labor scheduling systems). * **Education:** Degree or formal diploma in Culinary Arts, Hospitality Management, or a related field. * **Languages:** Professional working proficiency in Italian and English (Arabic is a strong advantage). الراتب المدفوع: KWD١٬٣٥٠٫٠٠٠ لكل شهر موقع العمل: بشكل شخصي