Job Description

A confidential hospitality group is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to lead the culinary direction and overall kitchen operation of a premium Asian Fine Dining restaurant in Panama City, Panama . The Executive Chef will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the kitchen operation, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, presentation, and service execution. The role requires a strong culinary leader who can combine creativity and innovation with operational discipline, team leadership, financial awareness, and rigorous quality standards. The successful candidate will lead and develop the culinary team, oversee daily kitchen operations, participate in menu development, manage food costs and inventory, maintain relationships with suppliers, and ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards. This position is ideal for a chef with a strong background in Asian cuisine, Fine Dining, Luxury Hospitality, or premium international restaurant concepts , particularly someone experienced with high-quality ingredients, sophisticated culinary techniques, contemporary presentation, and demanding service environments. Key Responsibilities Lead the complete kitchen operation and ensure efficient daily execution. Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, flavor, presentation, technique, and portion control. Supervise Sous Chefs, Chef de Partie, line cooks, preparation teams, and other culinary staff. Train, mentor, and develop the kitchen team. Establish and maintain recipes, preparation procedures, technical specifications, and plating standards. Oversee mise en place, production, preparation, and service. Participate in the development and evolution of the restaurant's menu. Create seasonal dishes, specials, and new culinary experiences. Monitor the quality, selection, storage, and utilization of ingredients. Manage food purchasing, inventory, food cost, waste, and product yields. Maintain effective relationships with strategic suppliers. Participate in budgets, forecasts, and profitability objectives. Work closely with the General Manager and Front of House leadership to ensure an exceptional guest experience. Maintain strict food safety, sanitation, hygiene, and food-handling standards. Ensure the kitchen remains clean, organized, professional, and fully prepared for high-demand services. Continuously identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency without compromising culinary quality. Requirements Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or equivalent senior culinary position . Minimum 5 years of progressive professional kitchen experience , including senior-level culinary leadership. Experience in Fine Dining, Luxury Hospitality, upscale restaurants, or premium culinary concepts . Solid experience with Asian cuisine is highly desirable. Strong knowledge of Asian culinary techniques, premium ingredients, and contemporary presentation. Experience developing and standardizing recipes and menus. Strong knowledge of Food Cost, inventory, purchasing, waste control, and product yields . Proven ability to lead, train, motivate, and develop professional kitchen teams. Ability to maintain high levels of quality and consistency during demanding services. Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills. Creative culinary approach combined with strong operational discipline. Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality. Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and food-handling procedures. Ability to collaborate effectively with General Management and Front of House teams. Strong professionalism, accountability, and leadership skills. Willingness and availability to work on-site in Panama City, Panama .