Support Chef / Commis – The Sevana Hotel
Location: The Sevana Hotel, Talalla, Sri Lanka
Employment Type: Full-time
Start Date: December 2025 (TBD)
Reporting to: Head Chef
About The Sevana
The Sevana is a luxury boutique hotel and surf retreat located in Talalla, Sri Lanka. Designed as a
peaceful and stylish space, it offers women-only surf retreats and adult-only high-end stays. Built
on three acres of landscaped grounds, The Sevana combines natural tranquillity, high-quality
design, and community spirit, focusing on connection, comfort, and empowerment. Guests enjoy tailored surf coaching, nutritious food, spacious cabanas, and a sense of belonging within an inclusive, women-led environment.
About the Role
The Support Chef / Commis plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the kitchen,
particularly during the mornings when the Head Chef is not yet on-site. You will be fully
responsible for preparing and serving breakfast, setting up early surf snacks during retreat weeks,
managing for lunch and dinner, and maintaining a clean and organised kitchen throughout the
morning.
This is a hands-on, independent role requiring confidence, good time management, and strong
foundational cooking skills. You will often be the only person in the kitchen during the early hours,
making reliability and responsibility essential.
As part of a small luxury boutique operation, this role contributes significantly to the overall guest
experience, ensuring each meal is fresh, beautifully presented, and prepared with care.
Key Responsibilities
Independent Morning Operation
• Open the kitchen each morning and prepare for service independently.
• Fully responsible for preparing, cooking, and presenting breakfast for all guests.
• Ensure all breakfast items are fresh, well-presented, and served on time.
• Reset and clean the kitchen after breakfast service.
Prep for Lunch & Dinner
• Preparation for lunch and dinner before the Head Chef arrives.
• Cut, marinate, pre-cook, portion, and organise ingredients as directed.
• Ensure fridges, dry stores, and prep areas are orderly and labelled correctly.
Retreat & Early-Morning Support
• Prepare early-morning fruit, snacks, hydration, or energy foods for surf retreat guests.
• Support retreat-specific food timings and requirements.
Support During Service
• Assist the Head Chef during lunch and dinner service when rostered.
• Plate dishes consistently and according to The Sevana’s presentation standards.
• Assist with simple dishes, sides, salads, and desserts as needed.
Kitchen Hygiene & Organisation
• Maintain the kitchen to a high standard of cleanliness at all times.
• Follow safe food-handling procedures and proper storage practices.
• Clean equipment and carry out daily/weekly deep cleaning tasks.
• Ensure breakfast and prep areas are spotless before the Head Chef arrives.
Team Collaboration & Stock Support
• Communicate proactively with the Head Chef regarding prep levels, stock, and ingredient needs.
• Assist with stock rotation and proper labelling.
• Report equipment faults, low stock, or safety concerns promptly.
About You
• Confident working independently in the kitchen, especially in the mornings.
• Able to prepare breakfast dishes consistently and efficiently.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage time well.
• Basic culinary training or previous kitchen experience preferred.
• High standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety.
• Positive, reliable, and eager to learn and grow under the Head Chef.
• Good communication skills and teamwork mindset.
Package
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Share of hotel service charge
• Staff meals during shifts
• Uniform provided
• Paid leave
• Accommodation available if required
How to Apply
Please submit your CV to info@thesevana.com and a brief note about your experience or passion
for cooking. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview and may be asked to complete a kitchen trial. We invite women commis chefs to apply.
