Head Chef – Chicken Tenders / Fried Chicken Concept

Location: Al Ain

MUST BE WILLING TO RELOCATE IN AL AIN

Job Overview

We are looking for an experienced and hands-on Head Chef to lead kitchen operations for a chicken-focused QSR concept specializing in chicken tenders, fried chicken, signature sauces, and complementary sides.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in chicken tenders and fried chicken concepts, with proven skills in menu development, food costing, kitchen management, and maintaining consistent food quality. Experience with brands such as Raising Cane’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Pickles, or similar concepts is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and refine menu items, including signature chicken tenders, fried chicken, sauces, dips, seasonings, and side dishes.
• Create standardized recipes, portion specifications, marination procedures, breading systems, and frying methods.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations and ensure consistent food quality, taste, texture, and presentation.
• Establish standardized cooking procedures to ensure product consistency and efficient service.
• Manage food costing, inventory, purchasing, portion control, and food waste.
• Monitor frying temperatures, cooking times, oil quality, and product holding standards.
• Supervise, train, and develop kitchen staff.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, sanitation, and HACCP standards.
• Coordinate with suppliers to maintain ingredient quality and cost efficiency.
• Monitor kitchen performance and identify opportunities to improve productivity and profitability.
• Develop kitchen SOPs to support operational consistency and future business expansion.

Requirements

• Minimum 4–6 years of professional kitchen experience, preferably in fried chicken, chicken tenders, QSR, or fast-casual restaurant concepts.
• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager with supervisory responsibilities.
• Strong hands-on experience in chicken tenders and fried chicken preparation.
• Strong knowledge of chicken marination, breading techniques, frying methods, sauces, and seasonings.
• Proven experience in menu development, recipe standardization, and food costing.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management, portion control, and waste reduction.
• Experience leading and training kitchen teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Good understanding of food safety, hygiene, and HACCP principles.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Culinary qualifications are preferred.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with established chicken concepts such as Raising Cane’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Pickles, or similar brands.
• Experience in high-volume QSR operations with a focus on speed, consistency, and product quality.
• Knowledge of menu engineering, food cost optimization, and profitability analysis.
• Ability to develop signature sauces, seasonings, and standardized recipes.
• Experience implementing kitchen SOPs and standardized processes for business expansion.

Application Question(s):

• Willing to Relocate in Al-Ain?
• Salary Expectation?

Work Location: In person