Executive Chef - Menu Planning

Job description / Role

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Executive Chef - Menu Planning for one of our clients in Saudi that is based in Jeddah.

Key Responsibilities:
Menu Development & Innovation
• Design and develop creative, cost-effective, and culturally appropriate menus for different cabin classes (economy, business, first)
• Ensure menus cater to special dietary requirements, including Halal, Kosher, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and medical diets

Menu Planning & Cost Control
• Conduct menu engineering to balance quality, presentation, cost, and nutritional value

Airline & Client Coordination
• Collaborate closely with airline clients to present and finalize menu cycles and tastings

Food Safety & Compliance
• Ensure all menus and recipes meet airline safety, hygiene, and regulatory standards (e.g., HACCP, ISO, IATA guidelines)

Kitchen Operations & Quality Assurance
• Work closely with the Production team to ensure menu feasibility for large-scale production

• Degree or diploma in Culinary Arts, Hotel & Restaurant Management, or related field
• Additional certifications in food safety (HACCP, ISO 22000) or airline catering standards are preferred
• Minimum of 8 to 10 years of culinary experience, with at least 3 to 5 years in a senior chef or executive chef role within the airline catering, hospitality, or food production sector
• Should possess a strong expertise in menu planning, costing, finances and prior experience within the airline catering sector.
• Proven experience in menu development for international airlines, understanding cabin class differentiation (economy, business, first class)
• Strong expertise in multicultural and international cuisine, including dietary and religious meal requirements (e.g., Halal, Kosher, vegetarian, diabetic)

Salary:
SAR 40,000 to 45,000 per month inclusive of fixed allowances.
Additional benefits: Visa, Medical Insurance, Flight Ticket, Family Benefits (tickets and medical insurance)

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.