Job Description

Executive Chef (EU work eligible)

Application Deadline: 11 September 2026

Department: Kitchen

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: Latvia - Riga

Key Responsibilities

• Recipes are maintained up-dated and accurate costing of all dishes prepared and sold in the Food and Beverage operation. New dishes and products are developed.
• Comprehensive product knowledge is fostered in regards to ingredients, equipment, suppliers, markets and current trends and appropriate adjustments to kitchen and stewarding operations are made accordingly.
• Excellent culinary technical skills are displayed and maintained.
• Menus offering our guests value for money in accordance with corporate guidelines are created in collaboration with the Food & Beverage Director.
• Effective and positive employee working relationships are established and maintained.
• Maintain a hygienic kitchen and personal hygiene and comply with local and company legislations
• Manage all functions of the Food Production and Stewarding operations to achieve the optimum departmental profit.
• Drive overall quality within the department whilst achieving a healthy value for money in accordance with corporate guidelines are created in collaboration with the Food & Beverage Director / Manager
• Keep an up-dated hotel policies and procedures file.
• Work with the People Services Manager to ensure the departmental performance of staff is productive.
• Demonstrate awareness of OH&S policies and procedures and ensure all procedures are conducted safely and within OH&S guidelines and ensure all direct reports do the same.
• Be aware of duty of care and adhere to occupational, health and safety legislation, policies and procedures.
• Be familiar with property safety, first aid and fire and emergency procedures and operate equipment safely and sensibly.
• Additional responsibilities and tasks can be added at any time according to the needs of the business and of the hotel.

Desired Skills, Knowledge & Expertise:

• Gastronomic education certificate or equivalent (apprenticeship/diploma/BA/Bsc)
• Must show signs of career development
• HACCP certification

• Minimum five 5 years in a kitchen management role, preferably with an international 5* hotel chain
• Minimum ten 10 years kitchen experience
• Experience in a standalone F&B operation is beneficial
• International experience is preferred

• English – excellent oral and written skills, Latvian and other languages can benefit

• Knowledge of food safety regulations
• Ability to effectively manage a team
• Ability to work independently, thrive under pressure in challenging circumstances and come up with proactive, rational solutions
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Ability to establish and retain effective working relationships with hotel staff and clients / vendors
• Ability to identify and delegate tasks effectively
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Applies a professional, confidential and ethical approach at all times
• Works in a safe, prudent and organized manner
• Be knowledgeable of sales, marketing & promotional practice

• Knowledge of computer systems, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

• Passionate for Food & Beverage/ gastronomy
• People oriented
• Passionate for European luxury
• Entrepreneurial and Straightforward
• Innovative
• Sense of responsibility with business acumen
• Leader and team player
• Open minded and taking ownership
• Works well under pressure
• EU passport or with an existing work permit for Latvia

Your Benefits:

• Growth: Exciting work environment with multifaceted development opportunities, career tracks, and transfer options within an expanding international hotel group.
• Onboarding & Training: 2 orientation days, mentor system, onboarding plan, wide range of internal/external training, cross-trainings, online courses, and eCornell training.
• Discounts & Perks: Kempinski employee rates across all Kempinski hotels and Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) properties, F&B and SPA discounts, and further local shop discounts via corporate benefits.
• Culture: Team events, employee parties, and Kempinski Global Engagement Activities.
• Well-being: Health & accident insurance, meals provided in our colleague restaurant, and free uniform cleaning service.
• Recognition: Fair salary, appreciation gifts, and recognition for company loyalty.