Head Chef

Blend & Grind is El Nido's go-to café 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.

We're 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 paradise—this could be your perfect next chapter.

Job Scope:

As Head Chef, you'll take ownership of all kitchen operations—overseeing 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.

You'll have the opportunity to shape both day and night menus, create exciting specials, and uphold the high standards we're known for—from 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 café and restaurant.

Responsibilities:

• 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 café (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

Requirements:

• 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 café 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? We'd love to hear from you.