Head Chef/Aqua Lares

We’re hiring: Head Chef

At Aqua Expeditions, we are passionate about providing exceptional levels of service to our guests. We take pride in pampering our guests and ensuring that their time with us creates a trip of a lifetime. The Aqua experience is carefully curated by a team of talented individuals — from onboard crew to reservations staff — who work behind the scenes to guarantee smooth sailing. We are always on the lookout for new team players who share our passion and expertise, to ensure a world-class travel experience. If this sounds like you, apply now and be part of our extraordinary voyage!

OUR VISION: To create and deliver unique and authentic once-in-a-lifetime experiences so that our guests can have enriching memories to cherish for a lifetime.

OUR MISSION: Aqua Expeditions offers customized luxury travel experiences aboard vessels of elegant, contemporary design, centered around immersive culture and wildlife excursions unique to each location, award-winning cuisine by renowned chefs, personalized guest service, and a commitment to community, sustainability and preservation.

4 CORE VALUES: 

A: We value AUTHENTICITY, believing in the unique talents of each individual and the importance of integrity.

Q: We aim for QUALITY, emphasizing a service-oriented approach and shared knowledge.

U: We believe in UNITY, and prioritize effective teamwork.

A: We hold deep ADMIRATION and respect for our environment, collaborating closely with local communities to foster responsible practices that protect and conserve nature.

Sounds great – what’s the role in a nutshell?

The Head Chef is responsible for overseeing all culinary operations onboard our expedition vessel, ensuring the delivery of an exceptional, 5-star dining experience that aligns with high standards. The role is pivotal in managing kitchen staff, maintaining pristine hygiene standards, and executing sophisticated, set menus designed to complement the unique destinations. 

Your passion is:

Culinary Leadership & Execution 

Menu Management: Lead the efficient and precise execution of all set menus and special dining events, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to established recipes and plating standards. 

Quality Control: Guarantee for the highest level of food quality, presentation, and flavor for all meals served, catering to the expectations of luxury clientele. 

Special Requirements: Competently manage and cater to guest dietary restrictions, allergies, and special requests with discretion and creativity. 

Kitchen Operations & Management 

Staff Supervision: Recruit, train, mentor, and manage the entire galley team, fostering a positive, disciplined, and high-performing working environment. 

Inventory & Provisioning: Oversee the meticulous inventory, ordering, and storage of all food, beverage, and galley supplies, with a keen focus on waste reduction and managing perishable goods for extended voyages in remote/polar regions. 

Budget Management: Maintain control over food costs and kitchen operational budgets without compromising luxury standards. 

Health, Safety, and Compliance 

Hygiene Standards: Enforce strict adherence to all international HACCP, sanitation, hygiene, and food safety regulations, ensuring the galley maintains inspection-ready conditions at all times. 

Vessel Compliance: Work closely with the Captain and Hotel Manager to ensure all galley operations comply with the vessel's safety management system (SMS) and relevant maritime authority requirements. 

Guest Interaction
 

Ambassador Role: Act as a culinary ambassador for Aqua Expeditions, interacting with guests to enhance their dining experience, gather feedback, and discuss menus/local cuisine. 

What are we looking for?

STCW Basic Safety Training Certificate. 

Any relevant hospitality certificates or experience. 

+3 years of experience onboard

English proficiency 

Desirable
Spanish and French

Excellent culinary skills and knowledge of international cuisine.

Good knowledge of pastry and dessert preparation.

Ability to work efficiently and effectively under time constraints.

knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices. 

Ability to work as part of a team

Customer Service capabilities, able to deal with a variety of clients, and strong multi-tasking skills. 

Attention to detail and ability to plan.

 Why You'll Love Working With Us:

Competitive salary and benefits package. 

Be part of an award-winning, worldwide company at the forefront of technological innovation.

Collaborate with a passionate and dedicated team.

Make meaningful contributions that drive our company's success.

Apply Now and Let's Shape the Future Together!