Head Chef – Vegan Café

Head Chef – Vegan Café

Location: Pondicherry, India

Type: Full-time

Reports To: Founder / General Manager

About Us

Maroma is a cozy, plant-powered café nestled in the heart of Pondicherry. We serve a small, carefully curated vegan menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients, soulful flavours and mindful eating. This is a space where conscious cooking meets calm and creative energy. It is not a large- format restaurant or fine dining kitchen.

Who We're Looking For

We’re hiring a Head Chef to manage the day-to-day kitchen operations and ensure consistent, quality execution of our limited, vegan menu. This role is perfect for someone with strong foundational kitchen experience who is ready to take ownership and grow in a leadership role within a close-knit setup.

Minimum Qualifications

• 12th pass (Hotel Management degree/certification preferred but not mandatory)
• 4–5 years of hands-on experience in a commercial kitchen
• Minimum 1 year in a Sous Chef or kitchen management role
• Experience working in vegetarian or vegan kitchens preferred
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Pondicherry

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations in a small team setting
• Manage staff schedules/rosters and delegate prep tasks
• Handle ordering/indenting and maintain good relationships with vendors
• Monitor inventory, stock rotation and avoid pilferage
• Ensure hygiene standards (HACCP protocols) and kitchen cleanliness
• Maintain quality and consistency across dishes
• Support food costing and portion control
• Remain calm and focused during high-volume service hours
• Pay attention to detail in prep, presentation and service timing
• Work with the team and manage cooking line whenever required.

Experience & Skills

• Good understanding of vegetarian or vegan cuisine
• Comfortable executing a fixed, standardised menu
• Knowledge of food costing, inventory and kitchen systems
• Strong team coordination and communication skills
• Ability to train and mentor junior staff

Support Provided at Joining

• Fully standardised recipes & plating guide
• Initial food costing already done
• Vendor/supplier contacts for raw material procurement
• Initial training in dish prep, plating and workflow
• Access to café kitchen tools, systems and support staff

Compensation

• CTC: ₹6 LPA+ for the right candidate

Why Join Us?

• Work in a mindful, balanced environment with a meaningful mission
• Be part of a young, growing hospitality brand rooted in conscious living
• Experience a slower pace of life and work in beautiful Pondicherry
• Enjoy creative freedom within a structured and supportive system

This is a hands-on role in a small café. Perfect for someone looking to lead with integrity, passion and a calm head.

Apply now and bring soulful vegan cooking to life at Maroma. 

maroma@maroma.com