Head Chef

Job Description The Role We’re looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Veronica’s and our Central Kitchen . This is a key leadership role where you’ll work closely with Chef Hussain Shahzad to not only execute a strong, evolving menu but also build a high-performing kitchen team and help scale our operations as we grow. If you’re a creative thinker, strong on systems, and passionate about building teams that care about great food, this one’s for you. We’re Hunger Inc. , the team behind some of Mumbai’s most loved restaurants – The Bombay Canteen, O Pedro, Bombay Sweet Shop , and Papas . Veronica’s is our all-day café and bakery, known for thoughtful sandwiches, artisanal bakes, coffee, and a small-but-mighty wine list. The Central Kitchen is the heart of our production and innovation, supporting both current and future concepts. Who You Are You’re a driven, experienced chef with the ability to balance creativity and operations. You’re excited about building and mentoring a team, not just cooking great food. You’ve worked in high-volume kitchens and know how to maintain quality at scale. You have a sharp palate, strong systems thinking, and are ready to grow with a brand that’s constantly evolving. Your Team You’ll lead and manage the kitchen teams at Veronica’s and the Central Kitchen , ensuring seamless execution, consistency, and efficiency across both spaces. From mentoring young cooks to collaborating with R&D, you’ll help build a strong, skilled, and enthusiastic kitchen culture. Reporting To You’ll report to Chef Hussain Shahzad (Executive Chef) and work closely with other chefs, managers, and the operations team. Your Responsibilities Lead Two Kitchens: Manage day-to-day kitchen operations at Veronica’s and our Central Kitchen. Work with Executive Chef: Collaborate directly with our Executive Chef on culinary direction, systems, and team development. Menu & R&D: Develop new dishes and contribute to seasonal changes while maintaining the quality of existing offerings. Team Building: Hire, train, and mentor a motivated team. Create a culture of learning, ownership, and enthusiasm. Operational Scale: Build systems and SOPs that allow us to scale operations without compromising on quality. Inventory & Costing: Oversee food costing, stock control, and ordering for both kitchens. Quality & Consistency: Ensure high standards in food prep, execution, and plating—every single day. Hygiene & Compliance: Maintain rigorous hygiene and safety standards in line with FSSAI and company policies. Cross-Department Collaboration: Coordinate with FOH, bakery, and production teams to align operations. Problem Solving: Tackle challenges quickly, with a calm and solutions-first mindset. Skills & Experience 5+ years of experience in a professional kitchen, with 2+ years in a leadership role. Experience managing multiple kitchen teams or units. Background in café, bakery, or all-day dining concepts is a plus. Strong people management and team-building skills. Familiar with setting up or scaling kitchen systems and operations. Culinary degree or equivalent hands-on experience. Excellent communication and leadership skills. Confident in managing costs, inventory, and production schedules. Comfortable using digital tools (POS, inventory software, spreadsheets). What You’ll Get The opportunity to lead two fast-growing kitchen operations in one of Mumbai’s most exciting hospitality companies. Direct mentorship from Chef Hussain Shahzad . A platform to create new dishes and shape a menu that evolves with the seasons. The chance to build and mentor a talented team from the ground up. A collaborative, supportive environment where your ideas are valued. Opportunities to grow as we continue expanding. Recognition for your leadership, creativity, and attention to detail Requirements Chef