Additional Information
Job Number 25200089
Job Category Food and Beverage & Culinary
Location Al Maha a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa Dubai, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates, 118887VIEW ON MAP
Schedule Full Time
Located Remotely N
Position Type Management
START YOUR JOURNEY WITH US
Can you imagine waking up to the sound of silence where the horizon stretches endlessly and the desert whispers stories of centuries past
Welcome to Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, a timeless sanctuary hidden among the rolling dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.
Here, every sunrise paints the sands in gold, and every moment invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature, with purpose, and with yourself.
Among lush palm groves and desert wildlife, our 42 private pool villas offer a world apart, a place where luxury feels natural and authenticity breathes in every detail, from handcrafted interiors to views that blur the line between sky and earth.
Our story is one of heritage, passion, and belonging, and now, it could be yours too.
Join a team that brings the spirit of Arabia to life, crafting experiences as unforgettable as the desert itself.
Love What You Do Even More
At Marriott, we believe exceptional guest experiences begin with how we treat our associates.
At Al Maha, you'll become part of a close-knit family that values passion, purpose, and pride in what we do.
We're looking for talented and dedicated individuals to join our team, and in return, we offer you the following:
- A career with limitless horizons, from the golden dunes of Al Maha to over 8,000 Marriott hotels worldwide, where new opportunities await.
- Professional growth and mentorship guided by some of the region's most accomplished hoteliers.
- Competitive salary and benefits, including on-property accommodation and full-board meals.
- Exclusive Marriott privileges, discounted stays and dining, plus special rates for friends and family.
- Comprehensive medical and life insurance coverage.
- All the tools, resources, and support you need to excel every day.
OUR EXPECTATIONS FROM THE ROLE:
The following are specific responsibilities and contributions critical to the successful performance of the position:
Culinary Leadership Vision
To lead a dynamic, future-focused culinary operation that is constantly evolving, culturally relevant, and benchmarked against Dubai's fast-moving and highly competitive dining scene. This role sets the culinary vision for the property, remains ahead of global and regional food trends, and translates innovation into consistent, high-quality guest experiences. The leader is present in the kitchen, leads from the front, mentors the team by example, and drives excellence through passion, discipline, and creativity.
Leading Culinary & Kitchen Operations
- Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performance culinary leadership team aligned with the property's vision and brand standards.
- Set clear direction for all day-to-day kitchen operations while maintaining agility to adapt to changing guest expectations and market trends.
- Maintain a strong on-the-floor presence, actively working alongside the team during service, events, and peak periods.
- Possess a deep understanding of all kitchen roles, enabling seamless coverage, effective decision-making, and operational continuity.
- Set clear performance standards, monitor results, and hold leaders accountable through coaching and regular feedback.
- Lead with integrity, transparency, and commercial awareness, balancing creativity with strong financial discipline.
- Foster a culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect across all culinary teams.
- Ensure staffing structures support service excellence, operational efficiency, and financial targets.
- Champion open communication, actively seek associate feedback, and translate insights into meaningful action.
- Supervise, coordinate, and continuously upskill cooks and kitchen associates.
- Personally demonstrate new cooking techniques, equipment, and modern culinary practices.
Culinary Strategy, Innovation & Goal Setting
- Define and execute a clear culinary strategy that keeps the offering current, relevant, and competitive within Dubai's evolving food scene.
- Drive menu development that balances creativity, authenticity, sustainability, and guest appeal.
- Establish clear performance, financial, and team development goals aligned with business objectives.
- Implement robust purchasing, receiving, and inventory controls to protect quality and margins.
- Actively manage food cost, supplies, equipment, and uniforms to deliver strong departmental performance.
- Lead departmental budgeting and forecasting with a strong understanding of revenue drivers and cost controls.
- Champion safety, hygiene, and brand compliance at all times.
Culinary Standards, Quality & Consistency
- Set uncompromising standards for product quality, presentation, flavour, and consistency.
- Personally oversee food presentation standards and elevate visual storytelling through refined plating and displays.
- Ensure strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, and temperature control standards.
- Maintain best-practice purchasing, receiving, storage, and stock rotation procedures.
- Ensure all associates hold required food safety certifications and operate to the highest hygiene standards.
- Remain actively involved in cooking for special events, VIP guests, and signature experiences.
Guest Experience & Service Excellence
- Champion a guest-centric culinary culture that consistently exceeds expectations.
- Actively engage with guests to gather feedback, build relationships, and refine the dining experience.
- Translate guest insights, reviews, and data into tangible service and product improvements.
- Lead by example in hospitality, presence, and professionalism, creating memorable dining moments.
- Empower associates with clear guidelines, training, and confidence to deliver personalised service.
- Proactively resolve guest concerns with professionalism, empathy, and urgency.
People Leadership & Talent Development
- Identify, develop, and mentor culinary talent with a focus on succession planning and internal growth.
- Create a high-engagement kitchen culture built on fairness, inclusion, accountability, and pride.
- Deliver structured training in culinary fundamentals, modern techniques, and refined presentation.
- Conduct performance reviews that are transparent, developmental, and future-focused.
- Address performance and conduct matters professionally and in line with company SOPs and LSOPs.
- Act as a role model for leadership, work ethic, and personal standards.
Management & Business Acumen
- Communicate effectively with executive leadership, peers, and teams across all levels.
- Analyse data, trends, and operational results to make informed, forward-thinking decisions.
- Balance creativity with commercial performance, ensuring sustainable profitability.
- Continuously refine kitchen structures, workflows, and resources to support business growth.
Core Management Competencies
Leadership
- Adaptability and change leadership in a fast-moving market
- Clear, confident, and influential communication
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making capability
- Professional presence aligned with brand values
Execution & Results
- Team building and collaboration
- Driving performance and accountability
- Strong planning, prioritization, and organization
Relationships & Culture
- Collaborative cross-departmental partnerships
- Guest-centric mindset
- Global and cultural awareness
Talent & Capability
- Developing future leaders
- Building sustainable organizational capability
Professional Expertise
- Continuous learning and applied innovation
- Strong business and financial acumen
- Advanced technical culinary expertise
Safety, Compliance & Brand Standards
- Uphold the highest standards of safety, hygiene, and security.
- Ensure full compliance with company, resort, and brand policies.
- Protect guest privacy, confidential information, and company assets.
Maintain exemplary personal presentation and professional conduct
In joining Marriott Hotels, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International.
Be where you can do your best work,
begin your purpose,
belong to an amazing global team, and
become the best version of you.
Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer. We believe in hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive, people-first culture. We are committed to non-discrimination on any protected basis, such as disability and veteran status, or any other basis covered under applicable law.
The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, with over 120 properties in more than 35 countries, offers the promise of authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. Our more than 100 years of experience, beginning in 1906 under the Italian CIGA brand a collection of Europe's most celebrated and iconic properties serves as a solid foundation as we continuously evolve to exceed the desires of the luxury traveler.
From legendary palaces and remote retreats to timeless modern classics, each luxury hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its locale a portal to the destination's cultural charms and treasures. If you are someone with an appreciation for evocative storytelling, a keen interest and passion for this destination's heritage, and a desire to deliver genuine, personalized, and anticipatory hospitality, then we invite you on our journey. In joining The Luxury Collection, you join a portfolio of brands with Marriott International.
Be where you can do your best work,
begin your purpose,
belong to an amazing global team, and
become the best version of you.
