Executive Chef

Executive Chef
Viseu
Viseu, Viseu District, Portugal

WHO WE ARE

Balagan Ericeira is a casual yet sophisticated beach house with two F&B outlets hosting up to 150 guests. We offer our own interpretation of Eastern Mediterranean cuisine, bringing an innovative take on traditional Middle Eastern plates and Portugal’s finest produce. Together with our guests and our team, we celebrate the beauty of life by the beach, proudly connecting locals and visitors through a vibrant culinary experience. We are led by a
- first mindset which means to us that every interaction with our team and guests is an opportunity to create a lasting connection.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

You are an experienced kitchen professional who leads
- on with empathy, respect, and high professional standards. Someone who values people as much as food, and believes that a great kitchen is built on trust, collaboration, and care. Through honest,
- style Eastern Mediterranean cooking, you create memories and shared emotions around the table, working closely with the service team to bring this experience to life.

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Kitchen Operations: Support daily kitchen operations, guiding your team through
  - volume lunch and dinner services. Lead by example to ensure consistency, great presentation and a positive kitchen culture.

• Inventory & Production: Oversee food production and inventory, ensuring correct stock levels, proper rotation, and smart prep planning to minimize waste and maximize quality & freshness

• Supplier & Cost Management: Build and maintain strong supplier relationships while constantly monitoring pricing and negotiating conditions without comprimising on quality.

• Health & Safety: Ensure strict sanitation practices and equipment maintenance. Ensure all hygiene, sanitation, and food safety standards are met, understood, and followed by the entire team by constantly training and supporting them.

• Build & Support Your Team: Hire, train, schedule, and motivate the entire kitchen team, fostering a respectful, supportive, and professional working environment.

• Menu & Recipe Development: Contribute to seasonal menu changes and create clear, standardized recipes for consistent execution.

YOUR COMPETENCIES

• 2+ years’ experience as a Sous Chef or Head Chef, with confidence in leading an international kitchen team
• Strong culinary knowledge of Portuguese, Mediterranean, and Levantine cuisine
• Profound technical skills and a mindset for simple execution
• Fluent in Portuguese and English (mandatory)
• Calm, organized, and
  - oriented in a
  - paced,
  - volume kitchen.
• A true team player and people person who leads with empathy and positivity
• Ability to create and thrive in a
  - knit,
  - style kitchen
• Flexible availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

WHAT WE OFFER

• Full-time (40h per week)
• Attractive compensation package including bonus structure
• Free meals while on shift & F&B discount for personal use
• Flat hierarchies and space for personal growth
• Continuous internal and external training opportunities
• Christmas Eve & Christmas Day off for everyone

➜ ➜ ➜ Please send your CV and a short note about yourself to ericeira@balaganfood.com