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Vida Plena is an innovative hospitality group founded in Lisbon in 2018. Here, we create spaces and experiences that feel effortless, welcoming, and grounded in simplicity. Rooted in thoughtful design and mindful choices, we focus on bringing people together over honest, flavorful food made with care and respect for our ingredients, our team, and our community.
Now, as we deepen our Italian roots, we’re looking for an Executive Chef to lead the kitchens at Leonetta and a soon-to-open Italian neighborhood restaurant. This is more than a role—it’s an opportunity to bring real Italian vibes to the table, shaping menus that feel authentic, honest, and full of soul - food that simply feels right.
As Executive Chef, you will guide the culinary identity of Leonetta and our new Italian spot, creating menus that celebrate the simplicity and warmth of true Italian cooking. You will:
1. Refine our offerings, honoring Italy’s rich culinary heritage while keeping flavors light, fresh, and unpretentious.
2. Work closely with local farmers and artisans, integrating seasonal produce, and the best imported Italian staples.
3. Create an atmosphere of true Italian hospitality, where food is shared, stories are told, and guests feel at home from the very first bite.
4. Build and nurture a strong kitchen team, fostering a culture of collaboration and craftsmanship—where techniques are honed, knowledge is passed down, and every plate tells a story.
5. Curate and evolve menus that showcase the best of Italian classics alongside creative, seasonal dishes.
6. Prioritize high-quality ingredients sourced from local producers, as the foundation of every dish.
7. Let simplicity, quality, and taste guide every dish we create, ensuring food that is both satisfying and irresistibly delicious.
8. Mentor and guide a respectful, collaborative team, fostering a positive and supportive kitchen culture.
9. Promote knowledge-sharing and skill-building among chefs and other team members.
Operational Focus:
1. Maintain high culinary standards while staying aligned with financial goals.
2. Collaborate with operations, HR, and logistics to ensure smooth kitchen performance.
3. Work closely with producers and farmers to ensure that every ingredient tells a story.
4. Source the highest-quality products to bring real Italian flavors to Lisbon.
5. Keep sustainability at the heart of sourcing, building relationships with those who share our values.
️ You Have What it Takes
1. Experience: At least 7 years in a similar role, leading kitchens with a strong Italian culinary background.
2. Leadership: The ability to inspire and mentor a team, creating an environment of warmth, respect, and expertise.
3. Understand the beauty of simplicity: with a deep appreciation for sourcing local and seasonal ingredients, with a drive to explore sustainable practices.
4. Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail and the ability to balance creativity with practical execution.
5. Approach: A calm, thoughtful leader who thrives in a dynamic kitchen without compromising quality or teamwork.
6. Authenticity at the Core – Shape menus that feel unmistakably Italian—crafted with simplicity, balance, and soul.
7. Ingredient-Driven Creativity – Work closely with top-quality, carefully sourced ingredients, collaborating with suppliers to bring the best seasonal produce to our menus.
8. Collaborative Environment: Work with a team that includes bakers, chefs, and a robust operations support system (HR, Operations, Logistics, and Finance departments), allowing you to focus on what matters—cooking and creating.
9. A Culture of Growth: Vida Plena is rapidly expanding, offering numerous opportunities for career advancement and personal development in exciting projects.
10. Immerse: Get to know our kitchens, our team, and our philosophy. Feel the rhythm of Leonetta and shape the vision for what’s next.
11. Collaborate: Build relationships with suppliers, and the wider Vida Plena community to create a sourcing strategy that feels right.
12. Refresh: Revise and refine menus to bring seasonal ingredients and new ideas to the table.
13. Connect: Establish a strong, inspiring kitchen culture that brings people together—both behind the pass and around the table.
14. Launch: Prepare for the opening of our new restaurant in late summer, ensuring every detail—from concept to execution—aligns with our vision and values. Build the foundation for an exceptional dining experience, setting up operations, training teams, and curating a menu that reflects our identity.
At Vida Plena, we believe great food comes from a place of care—care for ingredients, for the team, and for the guests who walk through our doors. If this feels like the right fit for you, we’d love to hear from you.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Management and Manufacturing
Industries
Food and Beverage Services
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