Executive Chef
Overview
Our client, a prominent private family based in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is seeking an Executive Chef for their newly built 10-bedroom villa. With established business interests in construction, brick manufacturing, and cement, the family is well regarded across the region and maintains an international outlook, with property investments in Europe and a London-based eldest son.
The residence is a high-spec private villa, and the family is assembling a professional household team to operate to international standards. The role includes private on-site accommodation and full visa sponsorship at no cost. This is an excellent long-term opportunity for an experienced private chef seeking a well-compensated position with a forward-thinking family.
Position: Executive Chef
Reports To: Estate Manager
Manages / Works With: Sous Chef, 2 Kitchen Assistants
Role Purpose: Lead all culinary operations for the family, guests and staff, creating high-quality, healthy and varied menus fully aligned with the family’s tastes and dietary preferences.
Job duties
Responsibilities of the Executive Chef in Iraq include:
- Design and execute daily menus, special occasion menus and large-scale event menus, adjusting continuously to evolving preferences and dietary requirements.
- Lead all food preparation, cooking and presentation across the villa, ensuring consistency at fine-dining restaurant level.
- Manage all procurement, supplier relationships, stock rotation and kitchen cost control within agreed budgets.
- Enforce rigorous food safety, hygiene and cleaning standards; maintain full kitchen HACCP documentation.
- Train and mentor the Sous Chef and kitchen assistants, including cross-training for staff meals and simple service cover during emergencies.
- Generate and maintain, alongside the Head Butler, a detailed family preference file for each principal, listing favourite beverages, dishes and dietary requirements; update these files regularly.
- Plan and execute menus for private events of up to 100 guests, coordinating closely with the Head Butler on timings and service flow.
- Report kitchen expenditure to the Estate Manager and proactively manage costs.
Candidates must be/have:
- Hold formal culinary training and at least five years’ senior experience in fine dining or UHNW private households.
- Demonstrate strong expertise in Italian, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Be flexible to work varied hours, including evenings, weekends, and travel.
- Hold valid food safety and hygiene certifications.
- Maintain exceptional discretion, professionalism, and adaptability in a private household.
- Be comfortable in a cross-cultural environment and fluent in English (Arabic advantageous).
- Be physically fit and present to a high standard at all times.
- Ideally have experience in private households or high-end hospitality; candidates new to Iraq are preferred.
Hours
Six days per week; 8-10 hours per day.
The hours are structured around the family’s daily schedule and event requirements.
Flexibility is essential, including early mornings, evenings and during family travel periods.
Overtime worked will be compensated in lieu days when family is not in residence.
Location
Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Private on-site accommodation within the secure villa compound is provided at no cost to the employee, along with full visa sponsorship and flights as agreed.
Salary
$120,000 USD per annum (net, tax-free).
Benefits include 30 days’ annual leave, comprehensive medical insurance, and a return flight home. Each candidate will be required to undergo a medical examination upon arrival.
The package also provides private on-site accommodation, all meals while on duty, full visa sponsorship, and agreed flights at the start and end of employment. There will be a 6 month probation period.
Job ref
CP1014: Executive Chef for private villa in Sulaymaniyah, Iraq.
Travel & Safety Advisory: Sulaymaniyah is located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Candidates are strongly advised to review the latest official travel guidance issued by their government before applying or accepting an offer. UK nationals should consult: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/iraq. The employer will provide visa sponsorship, on-site accommodation within a secure villa compound, and a full security briefing prior to commencement.
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