Executive Chef (Food Production Sector)

Job description / Role

Position: Executive Chef (Food Production Sector)

Location: KSA
Reports to: Operations Director

Role Overview:

Lead the setup and operation of a new large-scale food production facility, overseeing all aspects of recipe development, production processes, and quality assurance. Responsible for managing a diverse culinary and production team, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and compliance across all operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily food production operations across multiple sections (Hot, Cold, Bakery, Pastry, and Pre-preparation).
• Develop and standardize recipes, product specifications, and production processes for mass manufacturing.
• Lead new product development (NPD) initiatives, including lab testing and nutritional validation.
• Manage cost control, yield optimization, and production efficiency.
• Ensure strict adherence to hygiene, safety, and quality standards.
• Recruit, train, and mentor a multicultural culinary team.
• Collaborate with procurement, quality, and technical teams to ensure raw material and production compliance.
• Support operational readiness for factory startup and scaling phases.

Candidate Profile:

• Proven experience in food manufacturing, large-scale catering, central kitchens, or airline catering.
• Background as Executive Chef, Production Manager, Manufacturing Manager, or Processing Manager.
• Strong leadership, hands-on management style, and ability to work independently.
• Process-driven, structured, and detail-oriented with strong cost control and planning skills.
• Product development or large-scale production experience essential.
• MENA Experience: Preferred

About the Company

Service

Our aim is to provide our clients and candidates with a consistent, quality service that goes beyond the norm, giving them peace of mind and complete trust in our ability to meet their needs.

Knowledge

Big Fish consultants specialise in their fields and have extensive experience in the region and beyond. We take pride in our knowledge and network and believe that our relationships are built on trust and integrity and are made for the long term.

Care

At Big Fish, as well as caring for the people we work with, we also care about the world and environment we live in, that's why Big Fish support initiatives that promote human welfare, environmental protection and sustainability.