Head Chef Full Time

Parallel is looking for a motivated, professional, and hands-on Head Chef to lead and improve the kitchens of our boutique surf lodge and beach club located directly at Playa Encuentro on the north coast of the Dominican Republic.
We value people who are self-motivated, respectful, solution-oriented, and who enjoy working in an environment that combines professionalism with creative freedom while having a conscious approach to food and hospitality!

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Head Chef is responsible for the overall culinary leadership, daily kitchen operations, and performance of our boutique kitchens. The Head Chef holds full operational responsibility for an established restaurant kitchen serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as the set-up, structuring, and development of a beach club kitchen serving breakfast and lunch. You’ll work hands-on, lead a kitchen team of 15 employees, and shape the overall food experience — from menu design, team leadership and continuous improvement of kitchen processes.

The Head Chef works under general supervision of the general management.

BENEFITS

• Onboarding airfare up to $1,000US
• Private Dominican health insurance
• Catering stipend
• Performance based bonus
• Access to sports and wellness program of our on-site surf school

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Professional Experience
  Formal culinary training or equivalent professional kitchen experience
  Minimum 2 years of professional kitchen experience
  Experience in serviced restaurants/hotel kitchens
  Prior experience leading kitchen teams or overseeing kitchen operations preferred
  Experience launching or structuring a kitchen operation is an advantage
• Technical & Culinary Skills
  Knowledge of Italian-style cuisine especially Pizza
  Ability to prepare and present food to mid- to high-end hospitality standards
  Strong understanding of kitchen workflows, timing, service execution and menu development
  Seasonal and regenerative food systems knowledge is welcome
• Language Requirements
  Fluent Spanish required for daily team communication
  Good English proficiency is an advantage

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Direct and manage daily kitchen operations across the kitchens
• Lead, supervise, and coordinate kitchen staff, including scheduling, training, and performance oversight
• Actively participate in food preparation and service to ensure quality, consistency, and timing
• Plan, create, and update menus in alignment with the culinary concept, seasonal and operational needs
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation, hygiene, and kitchen organization
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and food handling regulations
• Monitor kitchen workflows and implement operational improvements to enhance efficiency
• Support onboarding of kitchen personnel

THIS ROLE IS IDEAL FOR A CHEF WHO:
Loves Italian-style cooking and working with quality ingredients
Is confident to lead, inspire, and cook alongside the team
Enjoys both structured operations and creative input
Can ideally start around April 2026 and is able to commit to a minimum contract duration of one year
Is looking for a medium- to long-term opportunity in a surf-driven, international setting in the Caribbean

If you’re experienced, forward-thinking, and passionate about well-executed food, with a strong sense for Italian-inspired cuisine and seasonal ingredients, we’d love to hear from you! Send your CV and a short cover letter to HR@parallel.do

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