Head Chef - Fine Dining

Head Chef – Job Description

About the role

We are opening a new fine dining restaurant in Singapore and are looking for a Head Chef to lead it end to end. This is not a kitchen-only role: you will own the menu, lead both the kitchen and front-of-house teams, and run the restaurant's P&L.

The concept is cuisine-agnostic. We care more about craft, discipline and a clear point of view than a specific culinary tradition. Experience building and running degustation menus is strongly preferred.

Reports to: Founders / Directors Location: Singapore Type: Full-time

Key responsibilities

Culinary direction and menu

• Define the restaurant's culinary identity and create the opening menu, including a signature degustation
• Develop seasonal menu changes, tasting menus and wine/beverage pairings with the beverage lead
• Set recipes, plating standards and specs; ensure every plate leaves the pass consistent
• Build relationships with local and overseas suppliers, farmers and producers
• Lead R&D and keep the menu evolving without losing consistency

Team leadership (kitchen and front of house)

• Recruit, train and lead both the kitchen brigade and the service team
• Set the standard for hospitality, service sequence and guest experience, working closely with the restaurant manager or maître d'
• Build rosters, run briefings and create a culture of discipline, respect and growth
• Develop sous chefs and senior service staff into future leaders
• Manage performance, reviews and staff retention

Commercial and P&L ownership

• Own the restaurant's P&L, including revenue, food cost, beverage cost, labour and controllable expenses
• Prepare annual budgets and monthly forecasts; report results to management
• Cost every dish and menu, and hit target food and labour cost percentages
• Control purchasing, inventory, wastage and supplier pricing
• Drive covers, average spend and repeat guests with the marketing team

Operations and compliance

• Run daily kitchen and dining room operations, from mise en place to close
• Maintain SFA food safety, hygiene and workplace safety standards
• Oversee equipment, maintenance and kitchen systems
• Support pre-opening: kitchen layout input, equipment selection, hiring and soft launch

Requirements

• At least 8 years in professional kitchens, including 3+ years as Head Chef or Chef de Cuisine in fine dining
• Proven experience designing and executing degustation or tasting menus
• Background in Michelin-starred, Asia's 50 Best or equivalent restaurants
• Track record of managing a P&L, budgets and cost controls
• Experience leading front-of-house as well as kitchen teams, or working hand-in-hand with service leadership
• Strong creative range across cuisines and techniques; not tied to one tradition
• Clear communicator who can present to owners, guests and media
• Valid food hygiene certification (or able to obtain the SFA Food Safety Course Level 3)

Nice to have

• Pre-opening experience on a new restaurant launch
• Wine and beverage knowledge for pairing development
• Experience in Singapore or the region, with an existing supplier network
• Media, guide or awards recognition

What we offer

• The chance to shape a new fine dining concept from day one
• Real creative freedom, with backing from an established restaurant group
• Competitive salary plus performance bonus tied to restaurant results
• Growth path within a multi-concept group

By submitting any application or resume to us, you will be deemed to have agreed and consented to us disclosing your personal information to prospective employers for their consideration.
We regret only shortlisted candidates will be notified.
Joshua Tan
Reg No. R1545315 | EA: 25C3031 | UEN: 202527765K

[Antares Management Services Pte Ltd]