Vida Plena is an innovative hospitality group founded in Lisbon in 2018, dedicated to making our guests and team feel truly at home. We pride ourselves on delivering warm, blissful experiences, fostering a diverse and inclusive atmosphere, serving top-quality fresh food, and providing exceptional service.️ The Role AsHead Chefat Javá, you will takefull kitchen ownershipof the kitchen, leading a team that delivers consistently delicious food while maintaining a positive, collaborative culture. This is a hands-on role where you'll oversee everything from menu execution and team leadership to efficiency, cost control, and supplier relationships. You will work closely with theJavá Operations Managerto ensure that the kitchen runs seamlessly, aligning with Vida Plena's standards and values.️ Your Key Responsibilities Operational Efficiency Oversee all culinary operations, including themain kitchen, pop-up kitchen, and production kitchen, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and excellence in every dish served. Maintain high standards for food quality, presentation, and timing. Ensure every dish embodies balance, flavor, and high-quality ingredients while respecting cost structures. Team Leadership & Development Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of cooks and kitchen 25 + staff, fostering a supportive and high-energy environment. Train and develop the team, ensuring strong technical skills, consistency, and efficiency across all stations. Promote clear communication and strong collaboration between BOH and FOH teams.️ What We Expect From You Experience:5+ years leading kitchen teams in a high-volume environment. Leadership:Ability to inspire and develop a team, fostering a culture of trust, learning, and excellence. Operational Efficiency : Skilled in optimizing workflows, problem-solving, and maintaining efficiency in fast-paced settings. Understanding of Cost & Operations:Experience managing food costs, labor efficiency, and kitchen budgets. Quality-Driven Mentality:A deep respect for high-quality ingredients, simple but excellent cooking, and consistency.What's in it for you? Culture of Excellence:Join a team that values quality, passion, and attention to detail. Work with talent and experienced people, as well as external consultants. Work With Top-Quality Ingredients:We invest in quality — you'll work with carefully sourced products and suppliers, local and seasonal Build and Lead Your Own Team:You'll have the space and trust to shape your kitchen, develop your people, and create a strong, high-performing team culture. Strong Operational Support:Dedicated HQ support across HR, Finance, and Logistics - you focus on leading the kitchen and with right support and structure Grow From Day One:Clear structure, regular performance reviews, and ongoing feedback to support your development as a leader - competitive salary and a monthly bonus linked to results and team performance. Join a Recognised and Ambitious Venue:Be part of a brand with a strong reputation and high standards — and grow with it as a key member of the BOH leadership team.At Vida Plena, we believe that great food comes from a place of care - care for ingredients, for the team, and for the guests who walk through our doors. If this feels like the right fit for you, we'd love to hear from you.