Skylark Hospitality is representing a privately owned hospitality group in the appointment of an accomplished Executive Chef / Culinary Consultant for the development and launch of a new premium Japanese-fusion restaurant in Cairo.

This is a 12-month consultancy engagement for a chef with the creative authority and operational experience to build a complete culinary identity from the ground up.

The concept will combine authentic Japanese technique, precision and respect for product with a contemporary, internationally relevant approach. The ambition is not to replicate an existing concept, but to create a distinctive food identity capable of competing at premium international level. 

The restaurant will operate at significant volume, with approximately 160 covers and peak services capable of reaching approximately 420 guests. The successful chef must therefore combine creativity with rigorous operational discipline and scalability.

THE ROLE:

Taking ownership of the culinary development, you will be responsible for creating the complete food concept and translating it into an operational system that can be consistently executed by the permanent kitchen brigade.

The scope will include full menu development across sushi and raw preparations, robata and grill, premium seafood, meat and wagyu, hot and cold dishes, sauces, sides, desserts and signature sharing dishes.

Beyond menu creation, you will develop comprehensive recipe and operational specifications covering portions, preparation methods, cooking techniques, mise en place, plating, storage, allergens and consistency standards. Commercial menu engineering, margin considerations, kitchen workflow and service volume will form an important part of the assignment.

You will also lead practical training of the kitchen brigade, conduct structured tastings, establish plating and quality standards and support the operation through opening and its initial trading period.

ONGOING ENGAGEMENT

This is not a short-term menu-development project.

The appointment is structured across 12 months, including development, pre-opening, opening and post-opening support.

The appointment is structured across 12 months, beginning with an initial period of up to two months in Cairo, followed by three further visits of up to two weeks each. Subsequent visits will focus on reviewing execution, maintaining standards, refining the menu and providing additional brigade training where required.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We are interested in speaking with established Executive Chefs and senior Culinary Consultants who can demonstrate significant experience within premium Japanese or Japanese-fusion restaurants, alongside a strong record of restaurant openings, concept creation and menu development.

You should be equally comfortable with creative development and operational detail, with the ability to document your work comprehensively and train a permanent brigade to reproduce it consistently without your day-to-day presence.

Experience working with high-volume premium operations and developing concepts across international markets would be particularly relevant.

The concept operates within a fully halal framework, with no alcohol used in cooking.

THE ENGAGEMENT

• 12-month international culinary consultancy

• Initial period of up to two months in Cairo, followed by three visits of up to two weeks each

• Competitive consultancy package

• Direct return flights provided for all required visits

• Accommodation provided throughout each stay

• Local transportation covered

• Approved competitor dining, product tastings and culinary development expenses covered

• No permanent relocation required

To discuss the project confidentially or be considered for the appointment, please submit your profile below.

Apply here

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Refer them to Skylark and receive up to £500 if they are successfully appointed.
Referral reward payable after they complete three months in the role.