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.

About the job

As Executive Chef, you will define and elevate the hotel’s entire culinary offering—from fine dining and all‑day dining to banquets, in‑room dining, and bespoke guest experiences—ensuring every plate reflects Mandarin Oriental’s uncompromising standards.

The Role

Reporting to the Hotel Manager, The Executive Chef is responsible for defining, leading, and executing the overall culinary vision of Mandarin Oriental Makati. As a key member of the pre‑opening leadership team, the role ensures that all culinary experiences reflect Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service philosophy, craftsmanship, sustainability commitment, and uncompromising quality standards.

The Executive Chef oversees all kitchen operations—from concept development through opening and ongoing operations—while building, mentoring, and inspiring a high‑performing culinary team.

Key Responsibilities

Pre‑Opening & Strategic Leadership

• Lead all culinary planning and execution for the hotel’s pre‑opening phase, ensuring readiness for soft and grand opening
• Collaborate with Design, Engineering, and Operations teams on kitchen layout, workflow, equipment selection, and commissioning
• Develop pre‑opening timelines, budgets, procurement plans, and staffing strategies
• Establish SOPs, recipes, plating standards, and quality controls aligned with Mandarin Oriental brand standards

Culinary Vision & Guest Experience

• Create and oversee distinctive, high‑quality culinary concepts across all outlets, including:
• Signature and specialty restaurants
• All‑day dining
• In‑room dining
• Banquets and events
• Staff dining
• Ensure consistency, creativity, and excellence in food presentation, flavor, and service delivery
• Continuously innovate menus while respecting authenticity, seasonality, and local influences

People Leadership & Talent Development

• Recruit, train, develop, and retain a diverse, highly skilled culinary brigade
• Foster a culture of collaboration, discipline, creativity, and respect
• Mentor future culinary leaders and support succession planning
• Promote engagement, well‑being, and performance excellence within the culinary team

Operational Excellence

• Oversee day‑to‑day culinary operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and consistency
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, sanitation, and health regulations
• Implement cost controls, inventory management, and waste reduction strategies
• Manage food cost, labor cost, and overall kitchen financial performance

Sustainability & Responsible Luxury

• Champion sustainable culinary practices, including responsible sourcing, local partnerships, and waste reduction
• Align culinary operations with Mandarin Oriental’s sustainability and ESG commitments
• Lead initiatives that promote environmental stewardship without compromising luxury standards

Collaboration & Commercial Contribution

• Partner closely with Food & Beverage, Commercial, Events, and Marketing teams
• Support revenue generation through menu engineering, promotions, and event activations
• Contribute to brand storytelling and positioning through culinary excellence

What We Are Looking For

• Proven experience as an Executive Chef in a luxury hotel or high‑end hospitality environment
• Pre‑opening hotel experience strongly preferred
• Strong background across multiple culinary disciplines and dining formats
• Demonstrated success in leading large, multicultural kitchen teams
• Deep knowledge of food safety standards, kitchen operations, and cost management
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Passion for craftsmanship, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Inspirational and people‑centric leadership style
• Strategic yet hands‑on approach
• High standards, attention to detail, and discipline
• Calm, resilient, and adaptable in a pre‑opening environment
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills

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 pre‑opening 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?