Please Note
- An estimate based on public data for similar roles. Not provided by the employer.
Head Chef
Role summary
Written by MyIslandJob from the job title and employer. See the employer's page for the full description.
The Head Chef is responsible for leading the hotel kitchen, planning menus, supervising food preparation and ensuring consistent quality across all services. Candidates are generally expected to have proven experience as a Head Chef, Executive Sous Chef or senior kitchen leader, preferably in a hotel or high-volume hospitality environment. Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP procedures, cost control, stock management and kitchen budgeting is required. The role also calls for excellent leadership, organisation and communication skills, with the ability to train and motivate a multicultural team. Flexibility, creativity, attention to detail and a hands-on approach are important, particularly during busy periods. Spanish and English are useful, while additional languages and experience with international cuisine are advantageous.
Can I work in the Balearic Islands?
Never pay anyone for a visa or a job offer. A real employer pays the permit costs and never asks you for money.
How it works
How it works: Local-first test (hotel jobs are not on the shortage list), or a seasonal permit that comes with employer housing.
Official source: Spanish Ministry of Inclusion: residence and work permit for employees. Checked November 2026.
What the job usually comes with in the Balearic Islands
Usual for the Balearic Islands, varies by employer. Checked November 2026.
| Housing | Not standard; required with the seasonal permit |
|---|---|
| Meals | Staff meals customary |
| Flights | Only with the seasonal permit |
| Service charge | Small pooled tips |
| Contract | Permanent seasonal (fijo discontinuo), recalled each season |
| Leave | 30 days; pay in 14 instalments |
| Income tax | About 17% to 20% in all |
Senior staff often get more than line staff, for example a single room or a yearly home flight. Ask the employer what the job includes before you accept.
Guidance, not legal advice. Rules change; your employer confirms the details for your case.
Working in the Balearic Islands
Who can work there by passport, what a job usually includes, and island life.
About Melia Hotels International
Meliá Hotels International is one of Spain’s leading hotel groups and a major international hospitality company. Founded in Mallorca, the group operates hotels and resorts across Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, Africa and the Middle East through brands including Meliá, Gran Meliá, ME by Meliá, Paradisus and INNSiDE. Its portfolio covers luxury resorts, urban hotels, leisure properties and business-focused accommodation. Meliá places emphasis on guest experience, service quality, sustainability and professional development. Employees may benefit from training, internal mobility and hotel-group discounts, depending on the position and local conditions. The Head Chef role at Hotel Palma Bellver involves supporting the hotel’s culinary operation in Palma, coordinating kitchen teams and maintaining food, hygiene and service standards. Exact duties, benefits and employment conditions should be confirmed directly with the company.