From General Managers and Executive Chefs to F&B Directors and C-suite executives, here's where to start when looking for your next big hospitality career move.
Finding your next leadership role in hospitality isn't always as simple as scrolling through LinkedIn and sending out your CV. At a senior level, some of the best opportunities never reach public job boards, instead being handled through executive search firms, specialist recruiters and industry networks.
Whether you're already working in the UAE, considering a move to the Middle East or looking to take the next step in your career, knowing the right people can make all the difference.
There are plenty of recruitment firms operating across the region, but here are four well-regarded specialists we think are particularly worth knowing for senior hospitality opportunities.
Four Hospitality Recruiters Worth Knowing
1. Food People
Based in Dubai, Food People specialises in executive and mid-level recruitment across the global food and beverage industry, including restaurants, hospitality and leisure. A useful contact for experienced F&B professionals, culinary leaders, operations directors and senior executives looking to make their next move.
Website: https://foodpeople.ae
2. James & Cranwell
With offices in Dubai and London, James & Cranwell is an executive search and advisory firm working with leading luxury hospitality, lifestyle and leisure brands worldwide. Its focus on senior appointments and luxury hospitality makes it particularly relevant for experienced hotel, restaurant and corporate leaders.
Website: https://jamesandcranwell.com
3. Hartstone Rochette
Co-founded by established hospitality recruiters Liz Hartstone and Guillaume Rochette, Hartstone Rochette specialises in senior executive appointments across luxury hotels, restaurants, private members' clubs and hospitality groups. With an international network, including a UAE presence, the firm works on General Manager, C-suite, board-level and other senior leadership positions.
Website: https://www.hartstonerochette.com
4. GRG
Dubai-born GRG is a recruitment and executive search firm operating across the UAE and wider GCC. While its expertise extends beyond hospitality, the business works across senior management, operational leadership and executive appointments, making it worth exploring for relevant corporate and commercial opportunities.
Don't Rely on Recruiters Alone
A good recruitment consultant can open doors, but your own industry relationships are just as valuable. Stay connected with former colleagues, General Managers and industry contacts. Hospitality is a small world, and recommendations still carry weight.
Keep an eye on career pages for operators such as Jumeirah, Anantara, Hilton, Ennismore and Mandarin Oriental, alongside independent restaurant and lifestyle groups. New hotel openings, restaurant launches and regional expansions are particularly worth watching for leadership opportunities.
Make Your CV Work Harder
At a senior level, your CV should show results, not just responsibilities. Have you increased revenue, improved profitability, opened a successful venue or managed a multimillion-dirham budget? These achievements tell a far better story than a list of job duties.
Your LinkedIn profile should reflect the same strengths, making it easy for recruiters to understand your experience, achievements and career ambitions.
Your Personal Brand Matters, Too
In hospitality, your reputation goes beyond your CV. Take a look at your LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook profiles. What would a potential employer find, and what additional value could you bring to their brand?
Perhaps you have 10,000 engaged Instagram followers, a strong industry network or the personality to represent a business through media interviews, speaking opportunities and PR campaigns. These can all be valuable assets for senior leadership roles.
And don't underestimate how you present yourself in person. With open kitchens, visible leadership teams and plenty of business still done over a handshake in the Middle East, first impressions matter. Look the part, build relationships and always put your best foot forward. You never know who you might meet.
Be Strategic About Your Next Move
Rather than contacting every recruiter in the market, identify two or three that specialise in your area. Introduce yourself, explain what you're looking for and build a relationship before you necessarily need their help.
If you're considering relocating to the UAE, look beyond the headline salary. Understand the full package, including housing, bonuses, family benefits, medical insurance and relocation support. Under UAE employment rules, recruitment and employment visa costs should be covered by the employer, not the candidate.
The Takeaway
Your next career move shouldn't just be about a bigger title or better salary. It's about finding an opportunity that matches your experience, ambitions and where you want to go next.
Build relationships, stay visible, make the most of your network and be selective about the roles you pursue.
Looking for your next hospitality opportunity? Explore the latest vacancies on STACK Hospitality, bringing together hospitality jobs from across the UAE and wider GCC.
