HEAD COOK / STORE MANAGER

ABOUT US

Taco Madre Bali is an intentional, clean-food taco restaurant nestled in the heart of Canggu. We are not fast food — we are the opposite. Everything we serve is made from scratch in our kitchen using organic ingredients wherever possible. We grind our own flours, hand-press every tortilla, craft our own salsas and sauces, and cook every protein with care. We believe food should nourish people — not just fill a gap — and that philosophy drives everything we do.

We are looking for a passionate, skilled and reliable Head Cook / Store Manager to lead our kitchen and uphold the Taco Madre standard every single day.

THE ROLE

As our Head Cook / Store Manager you will be the backbone of our kitchen operations. You will be responsible for leading the kitchen team, maintaining our food quality and consistency, managing kitchen workflow during service and ensuring that every dish that leaves our kitchen reflects the Taco Madre philosophy — real ingredients, made in-house, with love.

This is a hands-on role. You will be cooking every day alongside your team, not just managing from the sidelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Kitchen Operations

• Lead all kitchen operations during daily service from prep through to close
• Ensure all food is prepared and plated consistently to Taco Madre's standards
• Oversee and participate in daily food preparation including tortilla pressing, protein cooking, salsa and sauce making and all mise en place
• Maintain a clean, organized and efficient kitchen at all times
• Ensure proper food storage, labeling and rotation following FIFO principles
• Monitor food quality at every stage of preparation and service
• Manage kitchen timing and workflow to ensure smooth and efficient service

TEAM LEADERSHIP

• Lead, train and mentor kitchen staff on recipes, techniques and Taco Madre standards
• Create and manage kitchen staff schedules in coordination with management
• Foster a positive, respectful and collaborative kitchen culture
• Conduct regular briefings with kitchen team before service
• Support onboarding of new kitchen staff
• Report directly to the business owner on all aspects of cafe operations including revenue, monthly costs, staff performance and overall business health
• Provide regular and transparent updates to the business owner ensuring nothing is actioned without proper communication and alignment
• Track, update and maintain accurate records of all receipts, outgoings and expenses of the cafe
• Have the autonomy to make sound operational decisions in the best interest of the business while ensuring the business owner is always informed and consulted on key matters
• Maintain open, honest and proactive communication with the business owner at all times

INVENTORY & ORDERING

• Monitor daily stock levels and communicate supply needs proactively
• Responsible for placing orders to suppliers in a timely manner to ensure the kitchen never runs short of key ingredients
• Build and maintain good relationships with suppliers
• Minimize food waste through smart portioning and proper storage
• Conduct regular inventory checks and report discrepancies to the business owner
• Ensure all purchases are within budget and properly documented

Food Safety & Hygiene

• Ensure all kitchen staff follow strict food safety and hygiene protocols at all times
• Maintain compliance with local food handling and health regulations
• Ensure kitchen equipment is properly cleaned and maintained
• Report any equipment issues or safety concerns immediately
• Assist with ordering ingredients and supplies in line with budget
• Minimize food waste through smart portioning and proper storage
• Conduct regular inventory checks and report discrepancies

Menu & Quality

• Work closely with management on menu development and new item testing
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of all menu items, ingredients, allergens and preparation methods
• Ensure all dietary requirements — vegan, gluten-free, allergen-related — are handled with care and accuracy
• Contribute ideas for seasonal specials, new dishes and menu improvements

REQUIREMENTS

Experience & Skills

• Minimum 3 years experience in a professional kitchen — restaurant, cafe or hotel
• Previous experience in a senior cook or kitchen leadership role preferred
• Strong knife skills and solid foundation in cooking techniques
• Experience with Mexican, Filipino or fusion cuisine is a plus but not required — we will train the right person
• Ability to work efficiently and calmly under pressure during busy service periods
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Basic understanding of food costing and waste management

Personal Qualities

• Passionate about real, clean and intentional food
• Hardworking, reliable and punctual — you lead by example
• Strong communicator and team player
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn and grow
• Takes pride in their work and genuinely cares about the guest experience
• Aligned with Taco Madre's values — honesty, quality and heart

Practical Requirements

• Based in or willing to relocate to Canggu, Bali
• Able to work a flexible schedule including weekends and public holidays
• Valid food handler certification or willingness to obtain one
• Fluent in Bahasa Indonesia — English communication skills are a plus

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary based on experience
• BPJS Kesehatan & Ketenagakerjaan
• Daily meal allowance
• Uniform provided
• A warm, supportive and creative team environment
• The opportunity to grow with a brand that is just getting started
• A kitchen that values craft, quality and real ingredients
• A chance to be part of something intentional and meaningful in Bali's food scene

Work Location: In person