Chief Cook

Company Description Cai Coffee Cafe is a growing neighborhood cafe located in Marmagao, known for its warm atmosphere and focus on high-quality coffee and freshly prepared food. The cafe aims to create a welcoming space for guests to relax, work, and socialize while enjoying thoughtfully crafted beverages and meals. Team members are encouraged to bring creativity, consistency, and care to every dish and interaction. As the cafe expands its offerings, there are opportunities to influence menus, improve kitchen operations, and contribute to a strong service culture.
Role Description The Chief Cook is responsible for overseeing daily kitchen operations, ensuring that all food and beverage items are prepared to consistent quality and presentation standards. This full-time, hybrid role is based in Marmagao, with core duties performed on-site and some planning, menu development, and administrative tasks completed from home. Day-to-day responsibilities include supervising food preparation, coordinating with kitchen and service staff, managing inventory, and maintaining cleanliness, safety, and hygiene standards. The Chief Cook will plan and update menus, test new recipes, monitor portion control and costs, and ensure timely service during peak hours. The role also involves training and mentoring kitchen team members, collaborating with management on supplier relationships and cost control, and supporting a positive, customer-focused environment.
Qualifications
Strong culinary skills with experience in cafe or restaurant kitchens, including preparation of hot and cold beverages, baked items, and savory dishes.
Knowledge of food safety, hygiene regulations, and kitchen best practices, with a commitment to maintaining a clean and organized work environment.
Experience in menu planning, recipe development, and portion control, with attention to quality, consistency, and cost management.
Team leadership and supervision abilities, including training staff, delegating tasks, and supporting a collaborative, respectful work culture.
Basic inventory management and ordering skills, including tracking stock levels and coordinating with suppliers.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate with front-of-house staff and respond to customer feedback.
Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and peak periods, and to manage time well in a fast-paced environment.
Prior experience as a senior cook, chef de partie, or similar role; formal culinary training or certification is an advantage.
Comfort with a hybrid work model, handling planning and documentation tasks from home when appropriate.

Work arrangement
Hybrid