Head Chef - Based in Barbados

Head Chef

Head Chef

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. The ideal candidate should be creative, organized, and skilled in menu planning, food preparation, kitchen management, and maintaining high standards of quality, cleanliness, and customer satisfaction. Strong leadership, time management, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Candidate must demonstrate a proven track record of successfully leading/managing in an upscale Food & Beverage environment, with strong culinary experience and training.
• Responsible for the execution of all company policies and procedures, ensuring that all services provided achieve the established standards within the agreed budgetary controls.
• Advise the General Manager on all matters relating to the kitchen area and ensure a high standard of cleanliness and hygienic practice throughout the kitchen.
• To assist the General Manager in budgeting ie., food cost/payroll/etc.
• Ensure guest satisfaction with the smooth and effective running of the day-to-day operation.
• Assist in training and development of culinary staff members.
• To maintain control of the standards for purchasing and receiving items.
• To test and evaluate products for quality, paying particular attention to yield/holding qualities/market price/wastage usage of leftovers.
• Constantly inspect all food service sections during service time to ensure that the correct standards are maintained.
• Responsible for control of equipment and scheduling maintenance.
• Supervises and coordinates activities of cooks, stewards and workers engaged in food preparation.
• Leads shifts while personally preparing food items and executing requests based on required specifications.
• Utilizes interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others; advocates sound financial/business decision making; demonstrates honesty/integrity; leads by example.
• Encourages and builds mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Serves as a role model to demonstrate appropriate behaviors.
• Maintains the productivity level of employees.
• Ensures employees understand expectations and parameters
• Establishes and maintains open, collaborative relationships with employees and ensures employees do the same within the team.
• Ensures property policies are administered fairly and consistently.
• Communicates performance expectations in accordance with job descriptions for each position.
• Recognizes success performance and produces desired results.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 5+ years' experience as a Head Chef or as an Executive Sous Chef
• Culinary Degree/Equivalent Certification
• Proven track record of menu planning, costing and achieving set financial goals