Executive Chef

Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Executive Culinary Chef to lead the kitchen operations at Sakura, Five, and Chop in Karachi. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in international cuisines, with a strong emphasis on Asian culinary arts including Japanese, Chinese, and Thai, alongside continental and global gastronomy. This role requires a creative and innovative culinary leader committed to upholding fine dining standards and modern presentation techniques. Reporting directly to the General Manager or Director of Culinary Operations, the Executive Culinary Chef will be instrumental in elevating the overall dining experience through exceptional menu design, effective team leadership, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities
The Executive Culinary Chef will oversee all facets of kitchen management, ensuring smooth and efficient food preparation while maintaining the highest quality standards. You will be responsible for designing and implementing innovative, upscale menus that showcase Japanese, Chinese, Thai, and international cuisines, with a focus on refined culinary presentation and food aesthetics that meet fine dining expectations.

Maintaining rigorous kitchen hygiene and enforcing strict food safety protocols will be essential, alongside effective inventory control to optimize resources. Collaboration with restaurant management is key for menu planning, accurate costing, and the development of seasonal specials that enhance the customer experience.

A vital part of the role involves training, mentoring, and evaluating culinary staff to foster creativity, consistency, and professional development within the team. You will also manage relationships with vendors to ensure the procurement of fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Staying current with global culinary trends, plating techniques, and food innovations will help maintain the restaurant’s competitive edge. Additionally, you will oversee special VIP and private dining events, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and creative execution that exceed guest expectations.

Required Qualifications
Candidates must have between 8 to 10 years of culinary experience, including a minimum of 3 years in an Executive Chef or Head Chef capacity. Demonstrated expertise in Asian cuisines—specifically Japanese, Chinese, and Thai—as well as international fine dining menus is essential.

Strong skills in culinary dressing, plating, and food aesthetics are required to deliver visually stunning dishes. A culinary degree or diploma from a reputable institute is necessary, with international exposure considered a significant advantage.

Excellent leadership, time management, and communication skills are critical to managing a dynamic kitchen environment. The ideal candidate will be highly creative, quality-focused, and able to perform effectively under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications and Benefits
A genuine passion for food innovation and delivering exceptional customer experiences is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate a strong sense of ownership and discipline in kitchen operations, with meticulous attention to detail from food preparation through to final presentation.

Experience managing large-scale fine dining services and catering for special events will be an asset. This full-time, in-person position based in Karachi offers an exciting opportunity to lead a talented culinary team and contribute to a premium dining establishment known for its excellence and innovation.

If you are a visionary culinary professional ready to make a significant impact, we invite you to apply and join us in delivering an extraordinary dining experience at Sakura, Five, and Chop.