Chef de Cuisine Lola Restaurant

About Lola

Lola is a distinguished Mediterranean brasserie inspired by the French Riviera, Southern France, and the Italian coastline. Our cuisine blends the timeless foundations of French and Italian gastronomy with the freshness, simplicity, and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.

Elegant yet approachable, Lola offers a luxurious dining experience without pretension. Recently awarded Three Toques by Gault&Millau, Lola is proud to be the only restaurant in Jeddah to receive this prestigious recognition.

We are looking for an exceptional Chef de Cuisine (Head Chef) to lead our culinary team and guide Lola into its next chapter of excellence.

The Role

This is a truly hands-on leadership position for a chef who is passionate about being present in the kitchen, working closely with the food, and leading by example.

The successful candidate will oversee a brigade of approximately 30 chefs, ensuring the highest standards of quality, consistency, creativity, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team through active daily involvement during preparation and service.
• Maintain a strong presence in the kitchen and work closely with every section of the brigade.
• Preserve and further develop Lola's French Riviera, Italian, and Mediterranean culinary identity.
• Deliver refined, elegant, flavor-driven cuisine while maintaining simplicity and authenticity.
• Ensure exceptional consistency in food quality, presentation, and execution across every service.
• Continuously taste and monitor dishes to maintain the highest standards of seasoning, flavor, temperature, and presentation.
• Create seasonal menus and innovative dishes in collaboration with the Restaurant Culinary Director.
• Maintain the culinary standards expected of a restaurant recognized with Three Gault&Millau Toques.
• Train, mentor, and develop chefs at every level while fostering a disciplined, positive, and professional kitchen culture.
• Organize and manage the kitchen brigade efficiently, ensuring excellent communication between all sections.
• Take full responsibility for food quality, hygiene, food safety, kitchen organization, and operational standards.
• Control food costs, inventory, purchasing, and waste without compromising ingredient quality or guest experience.
• Collaborate closely with restaurant management and front-of-house teams to deliver seamless guest experiences.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, and career development of kitchen employees.
• Build a strong succession plan and identify future culinary leaders within the brigade.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or a highly accomplished Executive Sous Chef in a refined, high-volume restaurant.
• Strong expertise in French, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine.
• Excellent understanding of French Riviera and Italian coastal cooking.
• Strong classical culinary foundations combined with a modern and elegant approach to food.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing large multicultural kitchen brigades.
• Hands-on, energetic, and passionate about being present throughout preparation and service.
• Exceptional attention to flavor, consistency, presentation, and detail.
• Able to balance creativity with operational discipline and commercial awareness.
• Calm, organized, and decisive under pressure.
• A natural leader who earns respect through knowledge, professionalism, and example.
• Comfortable joining an established, award-winning restaurant while contributing fresh ideas and continuous improvement.
• International experience and previous exposure to luxury hospitality or recognized fine dining restaurants will be considered a strong advantage.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking a chef who thrives in the kitchen—not behind a desk.

The ideal candidate is passionate about cooking, ingredients, craftsmanship, and service. Someone who leads from the front, inspires their team through action, and is committed to delivering exceptional culinary experiences every day.

If you are ready to lead one of Jeddah's most acclaimed restaurants and contribute to the continued success of an award-winning culinary destination, we would love to hear from you.

Join Lola Restaurant and become part of Leylaty Group's commitment to culinary excellence.