Saudi Arabia’s food and beverage sector is rapidly expanding, driven by the country's Vision 2030 initiative aimed at economic diversification away from oil.
Increased tourism, entertainment, and hospitality sectors are boosting demand for diverse food and beverage services.
The F&B industry in Saudi Arabia is experiencing a surge in international brands, fusion cuisines, and innovative dining concepts.
This provides professionals a chance to work in dynamic environments blending tradition and modernity.
With many new restaurants, cafes, and food manufacturing businesses opening, there are plenty of roles from entry-level to management.
Saudi Arabia’s market offers career advancement, including leadership roles and specialized positions like food safety, supply chain, and quality control.
Competitive salaries, often tax-free income, and benefits such as housing allowances, health insurance, and bonuses.
Many employers provide training and development opportunities to help employees grow professionally.
Saudi Arabia’s location makes it a hub for regional food distribution, offering opportunities in logistics, export/import, and large-scale food production.
The government supports food security and safety standards, promoting high quality and sustainable practices.
There is increasing emphasis on local food production, creating new business and employment opportunities.
Working in Saudi Arabia allows exposure to Middle Eastern culture, customs, and business etiquette.
It offers the chance to build a professional network in a growing and strategically important region.
Saudi Arabia is seeing a surge in trendy cafes, fusion restaurants, artisanal food brands, and specialty beverage outlets.
International candidates with unique culinary skills, food design, beverage innovation, and marketing expertise are in high demand.
There’s a hunger for new food concepts — whether it’s plant-based menus, craft coffee, mixology, or interactive dining experiences.
Vision 2030 encourages local food production, entrepreneurship, and modernization of the F&B sector.
Innovation hubs, incubators, and startup-friendly policies are opening doors for creative minds in food tech, packaging, and branding.
Chef de Cuisine / Creative Chef specializing in international or fusion cuisine
Food Stylist / Food Photographer to elevate marketing and social media presence
Beverage Mixologist / Barista skilled in specialty coffee or craft cocktails
Product Developer for new food and drink products adapting to local tastes
F&B Brand Manager / Marketing Specialist to create compelling campaigns targeting Saudi consumers and tourists
Menu Designer / Culinary Consultant helping outlets refresh their offerings with creative flair
Riyadh: The capital with a growing luxury dining scene and many international brands launching flagship outlets.
Jeddah: Known for its cosmopolitan vibe, beachside cafes, and food festivals welcoming new concepts.
NEOM and Future Cities: Emerging smart cities with potential for innovative F&B projects and sustainability-driven culinary initiatives.
Many F&B businesses hire internationally to bring global expertise and cultural diversity.
Expats often work alongside local talent, sharing knowledge and building cross-cultural teams.
English is widely used in professional settings, especially in international companies and upscale establishments.
Saudi Arabia has streamlined work visa processes for skilled professionals.
Some companies sponsor visas and offer relocation support to attract top international F&B talent.
Flexible contract options, including freelance or consulting roles, are increasingly common in creative niches.
Chef (Head Chef, Sous Chef, Pastry Chef, etc.)
Prepare and oversee food production; develop menus; ensure quality and presentation.
Line Cook / Commis Chef
Assist chefs, prepare specific dishes, manage kitchen stations.
Kitchen Assistant / Steward
Support kitchen operations, clean utensils, maintain hygiene.
Butcher / Meat Cutter
Prepare meat products according to specifications and standards.
Restaurant Manager
Manage daily operations, staff, customer service, and financials.
Host / Hostess
Greet and seat customers, manage reservations.
Waiter / Waitress / Server
Take orders, serve food and beverages, handle customer queries.
Bartender / Mixologist
Prepare and serve drinks, develop cocktail menus.
Barista
Prepare specialty coffees and manage café operations.
Food Technologist / Food Scientist
Develop new food products, ensure safety and quality.
Quality Control Inspector
Monitor production processes and product standards.
Production Supervisor
Oversee food processing and packaging lines.
Packaging Specialist
Design and manage food packaging solutions.
Procurement Specialist
Source raw materials, negotiate with suppliers.
Inventory Manager
Manage stock levels, order fulfillment.
Warehouse Supervisor
Oversee storage and distribution of food products.
Sales Executive / Manager
Sell food and beverage products to retailers, distributors, or directly to consumers.
Brand Manager
Build and maintain F&B brand identity.
Digital Marketing Specialist
Promote food brands online via social media, campaigns, and influencer partnerships.
Food Safety Officer / Auditor
Ensure compliance with local food safety regulations and standards.
Health & Safety Manager
Oversee hygiene, sanitation, and workplace safety in food establishments.
R&D Chef / Culinary Innovator
Create new recipes, menus, or food products tailored for the local market.
Food Innovation Specialist
Explore trends and implement innovative food concepts.
Catering Manager
Plan and manage food services for events and large-scale functions.
Banquet Chef / Supervisor
Coordinate food preparation for weddings, conferences, and special events.
Food Stylist / Photographer
Design food presentation for marketing materials and social media.
Nutritionist / Dietitian
Develop healthy meal plans and ensure nutritional compliance.
Coffee Roaster / Quality Specialist
Oversee roasting and quality control for specialty coffee.
Job Profile |
Avg Salary (SAR/month) |
Avg Salary (USD/month) |
Avg Salary (INR/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Head Chef |
18,000 - 25,000 |
4,800 - 6,700 |
400,000 - 560,000 |
|
Sous Chef |
12,000 - 18,000 |
3,200 - 4,800 |
270,000 - 400,000 |
|
Pastry Chef |
10,000 - 15,000 |
2,700 - 4,000 |
225,000 - 330,000 |
|
Line Cook |
6,000 - 9,000 |
1,600 - 2,400 |
135,000 - 200,000 |
|
Restaurant Manager |
15,000 - 22,000 |
4,000 - 5,900 |
335,000 - 490,000 |
|
Waiter / Waitress |
3,500 - 5,500 |
930 - 1,470 |
78,000 - 122,000 |
|
Bartender / Mixologist |
7,000 - 12,000 |
1,860 - 3,200 |
155,000 - 270,000 |
|
Barista |
5,000 - 8,000 |
1,330 - 2,130 |
110,000 - 180,000 |
|
Food Technologist |
12,000 - 18,000 |
3,200 - 4,800 |
270,000 - 400,000 |
|
Quality Control Inspector |
8,000 - 14,000 |
2,130 - 3,730 |
180,000 - 310,000 |
|
Procurement Specialist |
10,000 - 17,000 |
2,700 - 4,550 |
225,000 - 380,000 |
|
Sales Executive |
8,000 - 14,000 |
2,130 - 3,730 |
180,000 - 310,000 |
|
Brand Manager |
18,000 - 25,000 |
4,800 - 6,700 |
400,000 - 560,000 |
|
Food Safety Officer |
10,000 - 16,000 |
2,700 - 4,270 |
225,000 - 380,000 |
|
Catering Manager |
14,000 - 20,000 |
3,700 - 5,300 |
310,000 - 445,000 |
|
Nutritionist / Dietitian |
12,000 - 18,000 |
3,200 - 4,800 |
270,000 - 400,000 |
|
Food Stylist / Photographer |
7,000 - 12,000 |
1,860 - 3,200 |
155,000 - 270,000 |
|
Inventory Manager |
9,000 - 15,000 |
2,400 - 4,000 |
200,000 - 330,000 |
|
R&D Chef / Innovator |
15,000 - 22,000 |
4,000 - 5,900 |
335,000 - 490,000 |
|
Warehouse Supervisor |
7,000 - 12,000 |
1,860 - 3,200 |
155,000 - 270,000 |
Mandatory: Foreign nationals must obtain a Saudi work visa (also called an employment visa or iqama) sponsored by a Saudi employer.
Employers usually handle the visa application after hiring.
Visa types include short-term and long-term, depending on contract length.
Educational qualifications vary by role, but generally:
Culinary jobs: Certificate or diploma from culinary schools or hospitality institutes.
Management roles: Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, business, or related fields preferred.
Technical roles (food technologists, safety officers): Degrees or certifications in food science, quality control, or food safety.
Experience is highly valued; many employers seek 2-5 years minimum experience, especially for specialized or managerial roles.
English is widely used in the F&B industry, especially in international chains and upscale establishments.
Basic Arabic is a plus but not always mandatory.
Good communication skills are essential for customer-facing roles.
Applicants must undergo a medical examination to prove they are free from infectious diseases.
Some roles may require food handling and safety certifications, such as HACCP or ISO standards training.
Certain roles, like nutritionists or food safety inspectors, may require professional licensing or registration with Saudi authorities.
Chefs and managers often need documented proof of qualifications and past employment.
Candidates must respect local customs and laws, including workplace conduct and dress codes.
Knowledge of halal food requirements and Saudi cultural preferences is important in food preparation and service.
Typically, applicants should be between 21 to 50 years old, but this varies by employer.
No criminal record or legal issues allowed; background checks may be conducted.
Job Profile |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
Head Chef |
Oversee kitchen operations, develop menus, ensure food quality, manage kitchen staff, control costs and inventory. |
|
Sous Chef |
Assist head chef, supervise kitchen stations, manage food preparation, ensure hygiene and safety standards. |
|
Pastry Chef |
Prepare desserts and baked goods, innovate recipes, maintain quality, manage pastry section staff. |
|
Line Cook |
Prepare specific dishes per order, maintain cleanliness of station, follow recipes and food safety guidelines. |
|
Restaurant Manager |
Manage restaurant operations, staff scheduling, customer service, budgeting, and compliance with regulations. |
|
Waiter / Waitress |
Take orders, serve food and beverages, handle customer inquiries, ensure customer satisfaction. |
|
Bartender / Mixologist |
Prepare and serve drinks, create cocktail menus, manage bar inventory, maintain cleanliness and safety. |
|
Barista |
Prepare and serve coffee and specialty beverages, maintain equipment, provide customer service in café settings. |
|
Food Technologist |
Develop and test food products, ensure compliance with safety standards, improve product quality and shelf life. |
|
Quality Control Inspector |
Inspect food products and processes, ensure adherence to health and safety regulations, document compliance. |
|
Procurement Specialist |
Source raw materials and supplies, negotiate with vendors, manage purchasing budget, maintain supplier relationships. |
|
Sales Executive |
Promote and sell F&B products, build client relationships, meet sales targets, report market trends. |
|
Brand Manager |
Develop brand strategies, oversee marketing campaigns, ensure consistent brand messaging across channels. |
|
Food Safety Officer |
Monitor hygiene and food handling practices, conduct inspections, train staff on safety protocols. |
|
Catering Manager |
Plan and execute catering events, coordinate food preparation and delivery, manage catering staff and client relations. |
|
Nutritionist / Dietitian |
Develop nutrition plans, advise on healthy eating, ensure meals meet dietary requirements, educate clients/customers. |
|
Food Stylist / Photographer |
Design food presentation for marketing, photograph dishes, work with chefs and marketing teams for campaigns. |
|
Inventory Manager |
Monitor stock levels, manage warehouse storage, coordinate orders and deliveries to ensure supply continuity. |
|
R&D Chef / Innovator |
Create new recipes and menu concepts, research food trends, test and refine culinary products. |
|
Warehouse Supervisor |
Oversee food storage and handling, ensure proper inventory management, supervise warehouse staff. |
Job Profile |
Education / Qualification |
Experience Required |
Language Skills |
Certifications / Licenses |
Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Head Chef |
Culinary diploma/degree |
5+ years in professional kitchens |
English (fluent), Arabic (advantage) |
Food safety (HACCP preferred) |
Leadership skills, creativity |
|
Sous Chef |
Culinary diploma/degree |
3-5 years |
English (fluent) |
Food safety (HACCP) |
Ability to supervise staff |
|
Pastry Chef |
Culinary diploma/degree |
3+ years pastry experience |
English |
Food safety |
Creativity, attention to detail |
|
Line Cook |
Culinary certificate preferred |
1-3 years |
Basic English |
Food handling certificate (preferred) |
Ability to follow recipes |
|
Restaurant Manager |
Degree in hospitality/business |
3-7 years management |
English (fluent) |
Food safety training |
Strong communication and leadership |
|
Waiter / Waitress |
High school diploma |
0-2 years |
Basic English |
Food handling certificate (preferred) |
Customer service skills |
|
Bartender / Mixologist |
Certification in bartending (preferred) |
2-4 years bartending |
English |
Alcohol handling license (if applicable) |
Creativity, knowledge of cocktails |
|
Barista |
Barista training certificate |
1-3 years |
Basic English |
Food handling |
Coffee preparation skills |
|
Food Technologist |
Degree in food science/technology |
2-5 years |
English |
HACCP, ISO certifications |
Analytical skills |
|
Quality Control Inspector |
Diploma/degree in food safety/quality |
2-5 years |
English |
HACCP, ISO certifications |
Attention to detail |
|
Procurement Specialist |
Degree in supply chain/business |
3-5 years |
English |
Procurement certification (preferred) |
Negotiation skills |
|
Sales Executive |
Degree in business/marketing |
2-4 years |
English |
Sales training (preferred) |
Communication and persuasion skills |
|
Brand Manager |
Degree in marketing/business |
4-7 years |
English |
Marketing certifications (preferred) |
Strategic thinking |
|
Food Safety Officer |
Degree/diploma in food safety/hygiene |
2-5 years |
English |
HACCP, Food safety certification |
Compliance knowledge |
|
Catering Manager |
Degree/diploma in hospitality |
3-6 years |
English |
Food safety, event management training |
Organizational skills |
|
Nutritionist / Dietitian |
Degree in nutrition/dietetics |
2-5 years |
English |
Professional license (where applicable) |
Knowledge of dietary laws |
|
Food Stylist / Photographer |
Certificate/degree in design/photography |
2-4 years |
English |
Portfolio of work |
Creativity and attention to detail |
|
Inventory Manager |
Degree/diploma in logistics/business |
3-5 years |
English |
Supply chain certifications (preferred) |
Organizational skills |
|
R&D Chef / Innovator |
Culinary degree/diploma |
4-7 years |
English |
Food safety certification |
Innovation skills |
|
Warehouse Supervisor |
Diploma/experience in logistics |
3-5 years |
Basic English |
Forklift/license (preferred) |
Supervisory skills |
Job Profile |
Typical Experience Required |
|---|---|
|
Head Chef |
5 to 10+ years in professional kitchens, including leadership roles |
|
Sous Chef |
3 to 5 years, with experience in supervisory capacity |
|
Pastry Chef |
3 to 5 years in pastry/kitchen settings |
|
Line Cook |
1 to 3 years, entry to mid-level culinary experience |
|
Restaurant Manager |
3 to 7 years in restaurant or hotel management |
|
Waiter / Waitress |
0 to 2 years, can include fresh graduates |
|
Bartender / Mixologist |
2 to 4 years in bartending or beverage preparation |
|
Barista |
1 to 3 years in coffee preparation and customer service |
|
Food Technologist |
2 to 5 years in food product development or quality assurance |
|
Quality Control Inspector |
2 to 5 years in quality control or food safety roles |
|
Procurement Specialist |
3 to 5 years in purchasing or supply chain |
|
Sales Executive |
2 to 4 years in sales, preferably in F&B or hospitality sectors |
|
Brand Manager |
4 to 7 years in marketing or brand management |
|
Food Safety Officer |
2 to 5 years in food safety inspection or compliance |
|
Catering Manager |
3 to 6 years managing catering operations |
|
Nutritionist / Dietitian |
2 to 5 years in clinical or food service nutrition |
|
Food Stylist / Photographer |
2 to 4 years in food photography or styling |
|
Inventory Manager |
3 to 5 years in inventory or warehouse management |
|
R&D Chef / Innovator |
4 to 7 years in recipe development and culinary innovation |
|
Warehouse Supervisor |
3 to 5 years in warehouse or logistics supervision |
Company Name |
Industry Segment |
Types of Roles Hired |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Marriott International |
Hospitality / Hotels |
Chefs, Restaurant Managers, Waitstaff, Bartenders |
Large presence in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam; offers strong expat support |
|
Hilton Hotels & Resorts |
Hospitality / Hotels |
Culinary, F&B Management, Baristas |
Frequently hires international chefs and managers |
|
Accor Hotels |
Hospitality / Hotels |
Culinary, Catering, Food Safety Officers |
Includes brands like Sofitel, Novotel |
|
Al Baik |
Fast Food / QSR |
Chefs, Kitchen Staff, Management |
Saudi-origin fast food giant expanding rapidly |
|
Kudu Restaurants |
Fast Food / QSR |
Chefs, Line Cooks, Managers |
Popular local chain with growing international staff |
|
Almarai |
Food Manufacturing |
Food Technologists, Quality Control, Procurement |
Largest dairy & food producer in Saudi Arabia |
|
Nestlé Middle East |
Food Manufacturing |
R&D, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain |
Multinational with regional HQ in Saudi |
|
Sodexo Saudi Arabia |
Catering & Facilities |
Catering Managers, Chefs, Event Staff |
Provides catering to corporate, educational, and healthcare sectors |
|
Savola Group |
Food Production & Retail |
Sales Executives, Brand Managers |
Major food conglomerate in Saudi Arabia |
|
Dallah Hospital Catering |
Catering & Healthcare |
Nutritionists, Catering Managers |
Focus on healthcare food services |
|
Jumeirah Group |
Luxury Hospitality |
Chefs, F&B Supervisors, Mixologists |
International luxury hotel brand with Saudi operations |
|
Papa John’s Saudi Arabia |
Food Delivery / QSR |
Kitchen Staff, Delivery Coordinators |
International pizza chain expanding in Saudi |
|
McDonald’s Saudi Arabia |
Fast Food / QSR |
Crew Members, Shift Managers, Chefs |
Known for employing diverse international staff |
|
Intercontinental Hotels Group |
Hospitality / Hotels |
Culinary, Food & Beverage Management |
Brands like Crowne Plaza operate in Saudi |
|
Al Safi Danone |
Dairy & Food Production |
Food Scientists, Quality Control Specialists |
Major dairy and beverage producer |
|
Burger King Saudi Arabia |
Fast Food / QSR |
Chefs, Restaurant Managers, Staff |
Frequently hires international talent |
|
L’azurde Company |
Food & Beverage Retail |
Sales & Marketing |
Known for luxury retail but expanding F&B divisions |
|
The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh |
Luxury Hospitality |
Chefs, Catering Managers, Sommeliers |
High-end luxury hotel recruiting globally |
|
Al Khozama Management |
Hospitality |
F&B Managers, Chefs, Marketing Specialists |
Saudi-based hospitality company |
|
Dana Gas Catering Services |
Corporate Catering |
Catering Supervisors, Food Safety Officers |
Serves corporate and industrial clients |
Job Profile |
Avg Salary (SAR/month) |
Job Requirements (Education & Experience) |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Head Chef |
18,000 - 25,000 |
Culinary degree/diploma, 5+ years experience |
Marriott, Hilton, Jumeirah, Ritz-Carlton |
Oversee kitchen, develop menus, manage staff, ensure food quality and cost control |
|
Sous Chef |
12,000 - 18,000 |
Culinary diploma, 3-5 years experience |
Marriott, Accor, Al Baik |
Assist head chef, supervise kitchen sections, maintain food quality and hygiene |
|
Pastry Chef |
10,000 - 15,000 |
Culinary diploma, 3+ years pastry experience |
Hilton, Marriott, local bakeries |
Prepare desserts, innovate recipes, manage pastry team |
|
Line Cook |
6,000 - 9,000 |
Culinary certificate preferred, 1-3 years experience |
McDonald’s, Kudu, Burger King |
Prepare dishes, maintain station cleanliness, follow recipes and safety protocols |
|
Restaurant Manager |
15,000 - 22,000 |
Degree in hospitality/business, 3-7 years management experience |
Marriott, Hilton, Savola Group |
Manage operations, staff, customer service, budgeting, and compliance |
|
Waiter / Waitress |
3,500 - 5,500 |
High school diploma, 0-2 years experience |
McDonald’s, Al Baik, Hilton |
Take orders, serve food and drinks, ensure customer satisfaction |
|
Bartender / Mixologist |
7,000 - 12,000 |
Bartending certificate, 2-4 years experience |
Jumeirah, Marriott, local lounges |
Prepare drinks, create cocktail menus, manage bar inventory |
|
Barista |
5,000 - 8,000 |
Barista training, 1-3 years experience |
Starbucks Saudi Arabia, local cafés |
Prepare coffee, manage equipment, provide customer service |
|
Food Technologist |
12,000 - 18,000 |
Degree in food science/technology, 2-5 years experience |
Almarai, Nestlé, Al Safi Danone |
Develop food products, ensure quality and safety, compliance with regulations |
|
Quality Control Inspector |
8,000 - 14,000 |
Diploma/degree in food safety, 2-5 years experience |
Nestlé, Almarai, Sodexo |
Inspect food products/processes, ensure safety standards, document compliance |
|
Procurement Specialist |
10,000 - 17,000 |
Degree in supply chain/business, 3-5 years experience |
Savola Group, Nestlé, Almarai |
Source raw materials, negotiate suppliers, manage purchasing budget |
|
Sales Executive |
8,000 - 14,000 |
Degree in business/marketing, 2-4 years experience |
Nestlé, Savola, L’azurde |
Sell products, build client relations, meet sales targets |
|
Brand Manager |
18,000 - 25,000 |
Degree in marketing/business, 4-7 years experience |
Nestlé, Savola, Marriott |
Develop brand strategies, oversee marketing campaigns, maintain brand identity |
|
Food Safety Officer |
10,000 - 16,000 |
Degree/diploma in food safety, 2-5 years experience |
Sodexo, Almarai, Dallah Hospital Catering |
Monitor hygiene practices, conduct inspections, train staff |
|
Catering Manager |
14,000 - 20,000 |
Degree in hospitality, 3-6 years catering experience |
Sodexo, Marriott, Dana Gas Catering |
Plan and manage catering events, coordinate food prep, manage staff |
|
Nutritionist / Dietitian |
12,000 - 18,000 |
Degree in nutrition/dietetics, 2-5 years experience |
Hospitals, schools, hotels |
Develop meal plans, advise on nutrition, ensure dietary compliance |
|
Food Stylist / Photographer |
7,000 - 12,000 |
Certificate/degree in design/photography, 2-4 years experience |
Marketing agencies, restaurants |
Style and photograph food for marketing, collaborate with chefs and marketing teams |
|
Inventory Manager |
9,000 - 15,000 |
Degree/diploma in logistics/business, 3-5 years experience |
Almarai, Nestlé, Sodexo |
Manage stock, coordinate orders/deliveries, maintain warehouse organization |
|
R&D Chef / Innovator |
15,000 - 22,000 |
Culinary degree, 4-7 years experience |
Nestlé, Almarai, Marriott |
Develop new recipes, research food trends, test and refine culinary products |
|
Warehouse Supervisor |
7,000 - 12,000 |
Diploma/experience in logistics, 3-5 years experience |
Almarai, Sodexo, Dana Gas Catering |
Oversee storage, supervise staff, ensure proper inventory handling |
The most common visa type for international candidates working in Saudi Arabia’s F&B sector.
Issued once you secure a job offer from a Saudi employer who sponsors your visa.
Allows you to legally work and reside in Saudi Arabia.
Requires a valid employment contract and a sponsor (usually the hiring company).
Typically valid for 1-2 years and renewable.
Short-term visa for attending meetings, exploring job opportunities, or business negotiations.
Not a work permit; you cannot start employment on this visa.
Useful for initial interviews or exploratory visits.
Applicable if you are already working with a multinational company that has operations in Saudi Arabia.
Allows employees to transfer from an overseas office to the Saudi branch, often in managerial or specialist F&B roles.
For entrepreneurs who want to start or invest in an F&B business in Saudi Arabia.
Requires approval from Saudi authorities and meeting investment thresholds.
Not a typical option for employees but relevant for business owners.
Saudi Arabia has begun piloting freelance work permits in some sectors.
This option is limited and may not widely apply to F&B roles yet.
Could be relevant for consultants like food stylists, culinary consultants, or marketing freelancers.
