Head Chef, Palawan

Blend & Grind is El Nidos go-to caf for specialty coffee, delicious breakfast, nourishing brunches, and chill daytime vibes. By night, we transform into Eat Kitchen & Bar, serving up elevated dishes, craft cocktails, and a laid-back dining experience of both Filipino and International dishes.

Were on the lookout for a passionate, creative, and highly organised Head Chef to lead our back-of-house operations across both concepts. If you thrive in a fast-paced kitchen, love working with fresh ingredients, and want to live in paradisethis could be your perfect next chapter.

• As Head Chef, youll take ownership of all kitchen operationsoverseeing a small team, ensuring consistency and quality across both menus, and working closely with management to develop seasonal offerings. This is a hands-on role that requires leadership, discipline, and a deep love of food.
• Youll have the opportunity to shape both day and night menus, create exciting specials, and uphold the high standards were known forfrom breakfasts, brunches to three course A La Carte menus.

This is a key leadership role with a focus on team development, operational excellence, and brand consistency across both the caf and restaurant.

• Be a disciplined leader that creates a great working environment and maintaining a positive relationship with your team
• Lead and manage kitchen teams across both the caf (Blend & Grind) and restaurant (EAT Kitchen & Bar)
• Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation
• Design and implement efficient food prep and cooking workflow
• Develop new dishes/menus, supplier sourcing, and costing
• Improve and innovate existing recipes that reflect seasonal ingredients
• Oversee food safety, hygiene, and kitchen cleanliness
• Train, mentor, and schedule kitchen staff to ensure smooth day-to-day operations
• Perform regular inventory and stock control; manage ordering and supplier relationships
• Monitor food costs and ensure profitability while maintaining quality
• Liaise closely with management and FOH teams to ensure cohesive service
• Lead by example with professionalism, calm under pressure, and a solutions-first mindset
• Ensure kitchen operations comply with all food hygiene and sanitation requirements
• Gather feedback to improve menu offerings

• Minimum 2 years' experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume, quality-driven kitchen
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Experience with both caf and dinner service concepts is a plus
• Consistently delivers food that tastes as good as it looks
• Knowledge of costing, inventory management, and food safety standards
• A passion for seasonal, local ingredients and thoughtful plating
• Ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment
• Ensuring every dish that leaves the kitchen is consistent and upholds standards set
• Fluent in English (essential)
• Experience with menu development and R&D, with a particular emphasis on international dishes
• Willing to be based in El Nido, Palawan

(Relocation support can be discussed)

• Calm under pressure, solution-oriented, and committed to guest satisfaction
• **Need to be available to start beginning of September**

What we Offer

• Competitive salary with growth potential
• Accommodation allowance and full government-mandated benefits
• Structured systems and a supportive leadership team
• A dynamic work environment with opportunities for innovation and impact

Ready to lead both the brunch crowd and the dinner scene? Wed love to hear from you.