Head Chef

Head Chef – Agonda Palm Beach Resort, South Goa

Agonda Palm Beach Resort is looking for a passionate and experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations at our boutique beachfront resort in Agonda, South Goa.

This is a hands-on leadership position for a chef who enjoys taking ownership of the kitchen, developing menus, building a team and maintaining high standards of food quality and consistency.

The Head Chef will be responsible for the overall kitchen operation, including:

1. Leading and managing the kitchen team
2. Developing and updating menus featuring Goan, Indian and international cuisine
3. Creating new dishes while maintaining consistency and quality
4. Managing food costs, portion control and kitchen budgets
5. Planning purchasing and maintaining effective stock control
6. Minimising food wastage and ensuring efficient kitchen operations
7. Recruiting, training and developing kitchen staff
8. Maintaining high standards of hygiene, food safety and cleanliness
9. Ensuring smooth and efficient service during busy periods
10. Working closely with the Restaurant Manager and resort management
11. Taking an active role in the pre-opening and setup of the kitchen
12. Establishing kitchen systems, recipes, procedures and standards

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who is:

1. Experienced as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, Sous Chef or Chef de Cuisine
2. Hands-on, creative and passionate about food
3. Comfortable working in a boutique resort or independent restaurant environment
4. Strong in menu development and food costing
5. A good team leader who can train and motivate kitchen staff
6. Able to work independently and take responsibility for the complete kitchen operation
7. Knowledgeable in Indian, Goan and international cuisine
8. Experienced in pre-opening or kitchen setup is an advantage
9. Bakery and pastry experience is an added advantage

This is an excellent opportunity for a chef who wants creative freedom, responsibility and the opportunity to make a real impact in a boutique beachfront property.

Competitive salary based on experience and suitability, with accommodation provided.

Candidates available to join at short notice will be preferred.

General Requirements

1. Minimum 5 years of professional kitchen experience
2. Previous experience as a Head Chef, Executive Sous Chef, Sous Chef or Chef de Cuisine
3. Experience in a hotel, resort, boutique property or quality restaurant
4. Strong knowledge of Indian, Goan and international cuisine
5. Good understanding of food costing, menu planning, purchasing and inventory control
6. Proven ability to lead, train and manage a kitchen team
7. Strong knowledge of food hygiene and safety standards
8. Ability to work independently and handle a hands-on kitchen environment
9. Good communication and team-management skills
10. Creative approach to menu development and presentation
11. Pre-opening experience is an advantage
12. Bakery/pastry experience is an advantage
13. Candidates who are currently based in Goa or willing to relocate are welcome
14. Availability to join at short notice is preferred
15. Must be comfortable working in a seasonal beach resort environment

Most importantly: we're looking for a chef who takes ownership, is reliable, and genuinely enjoys creating good food and delivering a great guest experience.