Are you a master of craft? Do you thrive in a team that succeeds together, demonstrating integrity and respect while acting responsibly? Do you embrace a growth mindset? We invite you to become a fan of the exceptional. 
 

Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences located in prime destinations around the world, with a strong development pipeline. Increasingly recognized for creating some of the world’s most sought-after properties, the Group provides legendary service inspired by Asian heritage whilst representing the very cutting-edge of luxury experiences.

Mandarin Oriental, Makati is an upcoming 5-star luxury hotel set within the lush Ayala Triangle Gardens, at the prestigious corner of Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue. Scheduled to open in 2026, this landmark development will feature 276 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, offering a refined blend of contemporary design and timeless sophistication. Guests will enjoy an exceptional array of world-class amenities, including a curated selection of restaurants, a stylish bar, a serene pool area, and the brand’s signature spa. Designed to be a sanctuary in the heart of the city, the hotel promises an elevated experience for both leisure and business travelers seeking comfort, excellence, and distinction in Manila.
 

The Role
The Chef de Cuisine is responsible for leading the culinary operations of an assigned restaurant outlet, ensuring exceptional food quality, consistency, creativity, and service excellence in line with Mandarin Oriental’s luxury standards. During the pre-opening phase, this role will play a key part in translating the restaurant concept into an exceptional guest dining experience through menu development, kitchen setup, recipe standardization, brigade recruitment, and operational readiness. Post-opening, the role will oversee daily kitchen operations, colleague development, food safety, and financial performance, while continuously elevating the outlet’s culinary reputation.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Opening Leadership:

• Lead all culinary pre-opening activities for the assigned outlet, including kitchen setup, workflow design, equipment validation, and operational readiness
• Partner with the Executive Chef on concept refinement, menu engineering, recipe standardization, and outlet positioning
• Support pre-opening timelines including OS&E review, supplier onboarding, food tastings, trial services, and mock operations
• Establish kitchen SOPs, HACCP procedures, sanitation standards, and quality assurance systems
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and training the culinary brigade to align with Mandarin Oriental standards.

Culinary Excellence:

• Curate and execute innovative menus that elevate the outlet’s concept while celebrating seasonal ingredients, authenticity, and refined presentation
• Ensure consistent excellence in taste, presentation, portioning, and guest experience
• Maintain strong quality control across mise en place, service periods, and production standards
• Continuously refine dishes based on guest feedback, market trends, and brand expectations.

Operations & Financial Performance:

• Manage food cost, waste control, inventory, and purchasing in line with budget targets
• Monitor labor productivity and scheduling to support efficient outlet performance
• Oversee vendor relationships and ingredient sourcing to ensure premium product quality
• Ensure all kitchen operations comply with food safety, hygiene, and local regulatory requirements
• Contribute to profitability through menu mix optimization and cost-conscious innovation.

Qualifications & Experience Profile

• Proven experience as Chef de Cuisine, Outlet Chef, or Sous Chef within a luxury hotel, or Michelin-level/internationally recognized restaurant
• Strong pre-opening experience in luxury hospitality preferred
• Deep expertise in the assigned cuisine style or restaurant concept
• Strong leadership capability with experience building and developing kitchen teams
• Solid understanding of food cost control, menu engineering, HACCP, and kitchen financials
• Passion for innovation, refined presentation, and memorable guest experiences
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across culinary, service, and hotel leadership teams
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-expectation luxury environment

Why Join Us?

Mandarin Oriental offers a world-class environment where your expertise, creativity, and leadership will shape the legacy of our return to Manila. You will be part of a dynamic preopening team committed to excellence, innovation, and authentic Asian hospitality.

Our commitment to you:

• Learning & Development. Your success is our success. We craft unique learning and development programmes for various stages in your career so that you grow, continuously.
• MOstay. When you work as hard as our colleagues do, it’s important to take time off. As a member of the #MOfamily, you can stay with us wherever you go in the world. The MOstay programme offers complimentary nights and additionally attractive rates on rooms for you and your loved ones.
• Heath & Colleague Wellness. Finding the right work-life balance is important. Your wellbeing matters to us. A variety of health benefits and wellness programmes are offered to all our colleagues, globally.

We’re Fans. Are you?