Sous Chef – Abu Dhabi

About the role

Sunset Hospitality Group is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join the opening team at ISOLA Ristorante Italiano in Abu Dhabi. The role supports the Head Chef in delivering authentic Italian cuisine, maintaining quality standards, and ensuring efficient kitchen operations.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef in daily kitchen operations and culinary standards.
• Lead kitchen service, coordinating sections for timely and consistent dish execution.
• Ensure dishes follow approved recipes, portion sizes, and presentation standards.
• Supervise, train, and develop the culinary team.
• Assist with menu development, recipe standardisation, and food tastings.
• Manage ordering, inventory, stock rotation, and waste control to meet food cost targets.
• Support staff scheduling and allocate duties according to operational requirements.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, and kitchen cleanliness standards.
• Lead kitchen operations in the Head Chef's absence and support pre‑opening setup.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef in an established restaurant, preferably Italian à la carte.
• Thorough knowledge of Italian ingredients and techniques, including pasta, risotto, sauces, and meat and seafood preparation.
• Experience leading kitchen teams through busy services.
• Understanding of food costing, purchasing, inventory, and waste management.
• Strong leadership, organisation, and problem‑solving skills.
• UAE or GCC restaurant experience is an advantage; pre‑opening experience preferred.

Required skills

• Italian Cuisine
• Kitchen leadership
• Food Costing
• Recipe standardisation
• Pre‑opening kitchen setup
• Waste control
• Stock rotation
• Purchasing
• Seafood preparation
• Menu Development
• Food tastings
• Kitchen operations