EXECUTIVE CHEF

Role summary

Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.

The Executive Chef leads the hotel’s culinary operation, overseeing menus, food quality, kitchen standards, budgets, purchasing, hygiene, staffing and training. Candidates are expected to have substantial experience managing professional kitchens, preferably in upscale hotels or resorts, along with strong knowledge of Mediterranean and international cuisine. Proven leadership, organization, cost-control and team-development skills are essential. The role requires excellent understanding of food safety, HACCP procedures and Spanish hospitality standards. Flexibility, creativity, resilience and the ability to work effectively during busy seasonal periods are expected. Experience with multicultural teams and hotel-level culinary planning would be highly valued.

About the employer

Meliá Hotels International is one of Spain’s largest hotel groups and a major international hospitality company. Founded in Mallorca, the group operates hotels and resorts across Europe, the Americas, the Caribbean, Asia and Africa under brands including Meliá, Gran Meliá, ME by Meliá, INNSiDE and Sol by Meliá. Its portfolio covers luxury resorts, urban hotels, leisure destinations and business properties. Meliá places strong emphasis on guest experience, sustainability, digital development and professional growth. The company employs a large, multicultural workforce and offers opportunities across hotel operations, food and beverage, engineering, commercial departments and corporate functions. This Executive Chef position is based at Meliá Cala Galdana in Menorca, a resort-focused property serving an international leisure market.

Working in Spain Islands

Spain’s islands, including Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, offer strong employment opportunities in hotels, resorts, restaurants, tourism, wellness and marine activities. Menorca is known for its relaxed pace, protected beaches, traditional villages and local cuisine, while larger islands provide broader year-round career options. Island life generally means a warm climate, outdoor activities and close-knit communities, but housing can be expensive and limited during the summer season. Spanish and English are useful; additional European languages are valuable in hospitality. EU and EEA citizens can work with relatively simple registration requirements. Non-EU candidates normally need an employer-supported work permit and legal residence authorization before starting. Relocation planning should include accommodation, healthcare registration, transport and proof of funds. Seasonal contracts may include staff housing or meals, but these benefits should be confirmed directly with the employer.