Executive Chef – Madhuban Eco Retreat

Location: Ratapani Landscape, Near Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh

About Madhuban Eco Retreat

Madhuban Eco Retreat is a forest-based experiential retreat located near the Ratapani Tiger Reserve and Bhimbetka landscape in Madhya Pradesh. We are building a destination rooted in nature, wellness, local culture, slow living, and meaningful hospitality.

Our food philosophy goes beyond dining — we aim to create experiences around detox cuisine, regional culinary traditions of Madhya Pradesh, forest-inspired meals, seasonal ingredients, and mindful eating.

We are looking for an Executive Chef who can become part of this larger vision and help shape one of Central India’s most distinctive hospitality experiences.

Position Overview

We are seeking a passionate and creative Executive Chef who understands that food can tell stories, create memories, and connect people with nature and culture.

· Wellness and detox-focused cuisine

· Traditional vegetarian recipes of Madhya Pradesh

· Contemporary presentation and guest experience

· Farm-to-table and local sourcing philosophy

· Sustainable kitchen practices

Key Responsibilities Culinary Leadership

· Lead the overall kitchen operations of Madhuban Eco Retreat

· Curate and develop a unique vegetarian menu rooted in local and seasonal ingredients

· Design detox, wellness, satvik, and forest-inspired meal experiences

· Develop signature culinary experiences around tribal and regional cuisine, millet-based menus, herbal and immunity-based food concepts, and slow-cooked traditional recipes

Guest Experience

· Create memorable dining experiences for guests

· Interact with guests to understand preferences and personalise meals where required

· Develop curated experiences such as forest breakfasts, traditional village-style dinners, wellness food retreats, live cooking sessions, and seasonal tasting menus

Kitchen & Team Management

· Lead and mentor kitchen staff and local cooks

· Build SOPs for hygiene, food quality, and kitchen efficiency

· Maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety

· Manage inventory, procurement, wastage control, and kitchen costing

Sustainability & Local Integration

· Promote use of locally sourced vegetables, herbs, grains, and ingredients

· Work closely with local farmers and communities wherever possible

· Reduce food wastage and encourage sustainable kitchen practices

· Support Madhuban’s philosophy of responsible and mindful hospitality

Preferred Candidate Profile

· Experience in boutique resorts, wellness retreats, eco resorts, or experiential hospitality

· Passion for vegetarian cuisine and healthy food concepts

· Understanding of Indian regional cuisine, especially Central Indian or rural culinary traditions

· Ability to combine authenticity with modern presentation

· Comfortable working in nature-based and peaceful environments

· Creative, grounded, and emotionally invested in building something meaningful

Skills & Experience

· 5–10 years of relevant culinary experience

· Prior experience as Sous Chef / Head Chef / Executive Chef preferred

· Knowledge of wellness cuisine, satvik food, detox diets, or Ayurvedic food concepts is an advantage

· Strong leadership and kitchen management skills

· Ability to train and inspire teams

Why Join Madhuban?

· Build a unique culinary identity from the ground up

· Experiment with local and forest-inspired food concepts

· Work in a nature-rich environment near forests and heritage landscapes

· Become part of a larger vision around sustainability, culture, and wellness hospitality

Pay: ₹600,000.00 - ₹800,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Food provided

Work Location: In person