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 275 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

As Kitchen Artist, you will be responsible for elevating the hotel’s culinary identity through exceptional artistic craftsmanship, specializing in fruit and vegetable carving, decorative showpieces, buffet artistry, and high‑impact visual presentations. You will transform ingredients into refined artistic expressions that enhance guest experiences across restaurants, banquets, and special events. During the pre‑opening phase, you will play a key role in developing visual concepts, designing display pieces, and ensuring the artistic identity of Mandarin Oriental Makati, Manila is executed with precision and creativity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the creation of artistic food displays, including fruit and vegetable carvings, chocolate and sugar décor, ice carvings (if applicable), and thematic centerpiece installations for restaurants, lounges, and banquet events.
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef, Pastry Chef, Chef de Cuisine, and Banquet teams to conceptualize and execute visual themes aligned with Mandarin Oriental’s luxury standards.
• Design and maintain buffet layouts, showpieces, and decorative elements that enhance the guest journey and elevate brand perception.
• Train and mentor junior chefs on basic carving techniques, decorative skills, and artistic presentation standards.
• Ensure all artistic elements are produced with consistency, structural integrity, and adherence to hygiene and safety guidelines.
• Maintain inventory of carving tools, molds, decorative materials, and specialty equipment, ensuring readiness for daily operations and special events.
• Support the pre‑opening phase by developing artistic guidelines, visual SOPs, plating aesthetics, and display concepts for all outlets.
• Work collaboratively with culinary, service, banquet, and marketing teams to ensure seamless execution of events, photoshoots, and high‑profile activations.
• Uphold Mandarin Oriental’s commitment to excellence, creativity, and refined craftsmanship in every artistic output.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience as Kitchen Artist, Carving Specialist, Chef de Partie (Artistic/Decorative), or equivalent role in a luxury hotel, cruise line, or high‑end banquet environment.
• Advanced skills in fruit and vegetable carving, chocolate and sugar décor, artistic garnishing, and decorative centerpiece creation.
• Strong artistic sensibility with the ability to conceptualize and execute thematic visual designs.
• Solid understanding of color theory, balance, symmetry, and visual composition as applied to culinary displays.
• Excellent organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship.
• Ability to train and inspire junior team members in artistic and decorative techniques.
• Commitment to hygiene, safety, and sustainability standards.
• Flexibility, creativity, and resilience to thrive in a dynamic pre‑opening 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?