aquaexpeditionshr

Head Chef

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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 leading all culinary operations aboard Aqua Mekong and delivering an exceptional dining experience that reflects Aqua Expeditions’ luxury standards. This role is accountable for culinary excellence, food safety, team leadership, financial performance and the consistent execution of the company's food philosophy.

As the leader of the Galley, the Head Chef creates a positive, professional, and high-performing workplace culture in which teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement are embedded in everyday operations. The role works closely with the Cruise Director, F&B Manager, and the Hotel Department to ensure every guest enjoys an outstanding culinary experience while maintaining the highest operational standards.


Your passion is:


    Culinary Leadership:

    • Lead all Galley operations, ensuring the consistent delivery of exceptional food quality across all meal periods.
    • Execute Aqua Expeditions' culinary program, recipes and presentation standards with precision and consistency.
    • Maintain high standards of flavour, presentation, portion control and product quality.
    • Drive innovation and continuous improvement while respecting established brand standards and Masterbook guidelines.
    • Ensure menus are executed efficiently and adapted appropriately to product availability without compromising guest experience.
    • Oversee food preparation, service and quality control throughout each voyage.

    Guest Experience:

    • Deliver a dining experience that exceeds guest expectations and reflects the Aqua Expeditions luxury brand.
    • Collaborate with the Hotel team to support special events, guest celebrations and dietary requirements.
    • Ensure all special dietary requests, allergies and nutritional requirements are managed safely and professionally.
    • Respond positively to guest feedback and implement improvements where appropriate.
    • Maintain a visible presence during service to ensure quality standards are consistently achieved.

    Leadership & Team Development:

    • Lead, coach and inspire the Galley team through professional leadership, clear communication and positive role modelling.
    • Foster a respectful, inclusive and collaborative workplace culture where every team member feels valued.
    • Recruit, train, mentor and develop galley employees to build capability and succession within the team.
    • Conduct regular coaching, performance discussions and ongoing skills development.
    • Manage performance issues promptly, professionally and in accordance with company policies.
    • Promote teamwork, accountability and ownership across all areas of the Galley.


    Food Safety & Compliance:

    • Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and sanitation throughout all Galley operations.
    • Ensure full compliance with HACCP principles, company food safety procedures and all applicable maritime regulations.
    • Maintain excellent Safety Culture audit results through regular inspections, corrective actions and continuous monitoring.
    • Ensure all food is stored, labelled, handled and prepared in accordance with company standards.
    • Lead by example in maintaining a clean, organised and safe working environment.
    • Ensure all equipment is operated safely and maintained in good working order.



    Inventory, Provisioning & Financial Management:

    • Manage food cost within approved budgets while maintaining product quality and guest satisfaction.
    • Minimise waste through effective planning, portion control and inventory management.
    • Oversee ordering, receiving, storage and stock rotation to ensure accurate inventory control.
    • Plan provisioning requirements based on voyage itineraries, guest numbers and operational needs.
    • Ensure accurate inventory records and timely reporting.
    • Protect company assets through responsible purchasing and effective cost management.

    Operational Management:

    • Plan and organize daily Galley operations to ensure efficient workflow and service delivery.
    • Ensure pre-service briefings are conducted before every service with respective teams.
    • Maintain accurate recipes, production records and operational documentation.
    • Ensure all equipment, refrigeration and Galley facilities are maintained to operational standards.
    • Collaborate closely with shoreside management on menu development, provisioning and continuous improvement initiatives.
    • Support company projects, training initiatives and operational changes as required.
    • Ensure the crew menu and food are served and maintained at the highest standards.

    Collaboration & Communication:

    • Work closely with the Cruise Director and onboard department heads to deliver a seamless guest experience.
    • Maintain effective communication with the F&B Manager & F&B Director.
    • Participate actively in onboard leadership meetings and operational planning.
    • Build positive working relationships with suppliers, contractors and support teams where required.
    • Represent Aqua Expeditions professionally at all times.


    Key Performance Indicators:

    • Guest dining satisfaction and feedback.
    • Cost-per-head unit drivers for Guest & Crew food costs.
    • Consistent delivery of culinary standards.
    • Food safety and Safety Culture audit performance.
    • Compliance with HACCP and company food safety procedures.
    • Food cost and wastage management.
    • Inventory accuracy and effective provisioning.
    • Team engagement, retention and development.
    • Galley cleanliness, organization and equipment care.
    • Effective leadership and positive workplace culture.
    • Successful implementation of company initiatives and operational improvements.



    What are we looking for?

    • Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts or a related field.
    • Formal culinary qualifications from a recognised institution.
    • Minimum five years' experience as an Executive Chef or Head Chef in a luxury hotel, resort, yacht or expedition cruise environment.
    • Strong knowledge of international cuisine with experience delivering refined à la carte dining.
    • Demonstrated experience leading multicultural culinary teams.
    • Comprehensive knowledge of HACCP and food safety management systems.
    • Proven experience managing food cost, inventory control and provisioning.
    • Strong English communication skills, both written and verbal.
    • Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office and hospitality management systems.
    • Fluent in English – required
    • Basic in French – preferred
    • Effective time management and organizational skills
    • Proven ability to train, coach, and motivate team members
    • Exceptional leadership and people management.
    • Accountability and ownership.
    • Professional integrity.
    • Excellent organizational and planning skills.
    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
    • Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
    • Calm decision-making under pressure.
    • Financial and commercial awareness.
    • Continuous improvement mindset.
    • Passion for hospitality and guest satisfaction.


    Why You'll Love Working With Us:

    • Competitive professional fee 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!