Head Chef – Lead Kitchen Operations

About the role

The Head Chef will lead the kitchen at The Port Land, a cozy café in Kochi that focuses on quality food and inviting spaces. This full‑time, on‑site position is responsible for shaping the menu, ensuring consistent taste and presentation, and delivering a warm guest experience.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee all kitchen operations, including menu planning, recipe development, and daily dish execution.
• Lead, schedule, and train the kitchen team while fostering a respectful, collaborative culture.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene standards, and consistent quality across all dishes.
• Manage inventory, place orders with suppliers, and control food costs.
• Coordinate with café leadership on seasonal specials, events, and guest experience enhancements.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in cafés, bistros, or restaurants.
• Strong leadership, team supervision, and staff training abilities.
• Solid knowledge of comfort‑style café cuisine, ingredient pairing, and preparation techniques.
• Understanding of food safety, hygiene, inventory management, and cost control.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment with attention to detail.
• Flexibility to work weekends, holidays, and peak hours.
• Culinary certification preferred, or equivalent hands‑on experience.

Required skills

• Menu development
• Inventory management
• Food safety compliance
• Cost control