Head Chef (Pre-Opening)
Location: Bhubaneswar, Odisha
We are looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the culinary vision of the project from pre-opening through launch and day-to-day operations. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building concepts from the ground up and wants to play a key role in creating a long-term hospitality brand.
Salary: Negotiable based on experience.
Key Responsibilities Pre-Opening
Menu Development
- Develop and curate the complete food menu
- Create breakfast, brunch, sandwiches, salads, small plates, pasta, pizza and dessert offerings
- Collaborate with the bakery and coffee programme to ensure a cohesive guest experience
- Develop signature dishes aligned with the brand concept
Kitchen Planning & Setup
- Plan kitchen workflow and production systems
- Recommend kitchen equipment and specifications
- Advise on storage, prep and service areas
- Support equipment procurement and vendor selection
Costing & Operations
- Standardise recipes and yields
- Develop food costing sheets
- Assist with menu engineering and pricing
- Build efficient operational systems
SOP Development
- Create recipe cards and preparation standards
- Develop kitchen SOPs
- Establish food safety and hygiene protocols
- Prepare training manuals and operational documentation
Team Building
- Assist in hiring the kitchen team
- Train kitchen staff
- Conduct menu trials and tasting sessions
- Support pre-opening activities
Post-Opening:
- Lead daily kitchen operations
- Maintain food quality and consistency
- Manage inventory and food costs
- Supervise and mentor the kitchen team
- Ensure compliance with hygiene and safety standards
- Drive seasonal menu updates and continuous product innovation
Ideal Candidate
- 5+ years of relevant culinary experience
- Experience in cafés, bakeries, casual dining or all-day dining concepts
- Prior pre-opening experience preferred
- Strong understanding of menu engineering and food costing
- Experience in kitchen planning and operational systems
- Ability to create structured SOPs and documentation
- Strong leadership and team management skills
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on approach
Application Requirements
Please share:
- Updated CV/Resume
- Portfolio of concepts or outlets worked on
- Menus personally developed
- Details of pre-opening projects handled
- Current salary and expected salary
- Notice period and earliest joining date
Salary is negotiable based on experience.
Pay: ₹60,000.00 - ₹80,000.00 per month
Experience:
- café kitchen: 5 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
