The Group

Founded in November 2008 by siblings Jyotin, Karam, and Sunaina Sethi, JKS Restaurants has grown into one of the UK’s most celebrated and respected restaurant groups. Since its inception, JKS has garnered critical acclaim and industry recognition, boasting 7 Michelin stars, 4 Michelin Bib Gourmands.

The JKS portfolio showcases a mix of Michelin-starred establishments and popular favourites, offering a range of experiences across fine and casual dining. Michelin-starred venues include Trishna, Gymkhana, Kitchen Table, Sabor, and Lyle’s, while beloved concepts like Hoppers, BAO, Brigadiers, Berenjak, Plaza Khao Gaeng, Speedboat Bar, Bibi, and Ambassadors Clubhouse continue to set trends. JKS is also home to well-loved pubs like The Cadogan Arms, The George, and The Hound.

In the Middle East, JKS operates seven locations, bringing its distinguished brands, including Berenjak, Gymkhana, and Hoppers, to cities such as Dubai, Sharjah, Doha, and Riyadh. In 2024, Berenjak Sharjah was awarded a Michelin Bib, reflecting JKS’s commitment to delivering excellence internationally.

JKS Restaurants offers a unique opportunity to build a career in both fine dining and casual, trend-driven cuisine. The group is committed to nurturing talent across all disciplines within a people-focused, collaborative environment, making it an ideal place for those eager to grow in a dynamic and innovative hospitality group.

The Position

As the International Development Chef for Gymkhana, you’ll be at the forefront of our culinary expansion, working across multiple exciting projects and managing operations across existing sites in the UAE, London, and beyond. Collaborating with our senior leadership, you’ll develop and adapt Gymkhana’s signature menus for new markets, ensure consistency and quality across all locations, and support our global growth with operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Menu Development & Adaptation: Create and refine menus that maintain Gymkhana’s signature flavours while adapting to local markets, ensuring relevance and appeal across diverse regions.
• Project & Site Management: Oversee kitchen setup and training for both new openings and existing sites in the UAE, London, and further afield, ensuring each location meets Gymkhana’s standards.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct audits and provide on-site support to maintain consistency and uphold quality across all international and domestic locations.
• Team Development: Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen teams, fostering a high-performance, collaborative environment aligned with Gymkhana’s values.
• Financial Oversight: Manage BOH financials, including menu costing, budgeting, and labour control, to optimize operational efficiency.
• Compliance & Standards: Ensure adherence to local health, safety, and hygiene regulations while upholding Gymkhana’s rigorous standards.
• Travel: Regular international and domestic travel to support projects and provide hands-on training and oversight.

Who You Are:

• An experienced Development Chef with a background in high-end, multi-location operations, ideally with international experience.
• Skilled in adapting and implementing creative menus that resonate across global markets.
• Proficient in managing and motivating kitchen teams, with experience in training and operations.
• Financially savvy, with a strong understanding of budgeting, cost control, and scheduling.
• Knowledgeable in health and safety compliance, with an unwavering commitment to quality and consistency.
• This is a fantastic opportunity for an International Development Chef ready to help Gymkhana bring its exceptional cuisine to new audiences worldwide. If you’re passionate about culinary innovation and eager to make a mark on the global stage, we’d love to hear from you.