About Ghithaa | غِذاء

Ghithaa | غِذاء is seeking an experienced Sous Chef to join its Central Kitchen / Production team. This full-time role is based in Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, and is central to ensuring high standards in food production operations.

Role Overview

The Sous Chef will be responsible for the planning, supervision, and control of daily food production within the central kitchen. This position ensures that meals are produced safely, consistently, efficiently, and on time, while strictly adhering to approved recipes, portion sizes, quality standards, and food safety requirements. The Sous Chef will also lead the kitchen team and coordinate closely with various internal departments to maintain operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise daily high-volume food production in accordance with production plans, demand, and delivery schedules.
• Ensure strict compliance with approved recipes, specifications, portion sizes, and production standards.
• Monitor production progress, productivity, yields, food cost, portion control, and waste levels.
• Ensure adherence to HACCP, GMP, food hygiene, temperature control, allergen management, FIFO/FEFO, and traceability requirements.
• Conduct quality checks throughout the production process and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Lead, supervise, train, and allocate kitchen staff effectively based on workload and production priorities.
• Ensure the availability and readiness of ingredients, equipment, tools, and manpower before production commences.
• Coordinate with Quality, Stores, Procurement, Packaging, Logistics, Maintenance, and Operations to ensure smooth production and on-time dispatch.
• Support recipe trials, menu changes, product launches, and research and development activities.
• Monitor and actively work to reduce food waste, spoilage, overproduction, and production losses.
• Ensure production, quality, food safety, temperature, waste, and operational records are accurately maintained.
• Address operational issues promptly and support the implementation of corrective and preventive actions.
• Support customer complaint investigations related to food quality and identify recurring production issues.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by enhancing workflow, productivity, staffing, and production processes.
• Respond effectively to operational emergencies such as equipment breakdowns, refrigeration issues, power outages, or staffing shortages.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 5-10 years of experience in a Sous Chef or similar leadership role within a high-volume food production or central kitchen environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of food safety regulations, including HACCP and GMP.
• Proven ability to lead, train, and manage a kitchen team effectively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in managing production schedules and standards.
• Proficiency in monitoring food costs, portion control, and waste reduction strategies.

Work Environment

This is a full-time position located in Jeddah, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The role operates within a dynamic Central Kitchen setting, requiring active collaboration with various departments including Culinary, Quality, Stores, Procurement, Packaging, Logistics, Maintenance, and Operations.

Application Process

Interested candidates who meet the specified qualifications are encouraged to apply.