CHEF

Mr Pilgrim Cafe; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Professional development

Collaborative kitchen culture

Job summary

Mr Pilgrim Cafe, Semaphore SA, seeks an experienced Chef to join our full-time kitchen team. You will lead culinary operations, develop menus, and uphold top standards of food safety and presentation.

You will manage the kitchen staff, control costs, and ensure excellent guest experiences. Formal culinary qualification is mandatory; 3–5 years in a senior kitchen role; Food Safety Supervisor Certificate; strong leadership and creativity.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary qualification is mandatory for this position.
• Minimum 3–5 years' experience as a Chef or in a senior kitchen role within a café, restaurant or hospitality establishment.
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate is a must.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Creativity and passion for culinary innovation.
• Ability to work during peak service times.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook dishes according to recipes and specs.
• Lead and supervise kitchen staff and workflow.
• Manage inventory, order ingredients, and control costs.
• Maintain hygiene and food safety standards.
• Develop and refine menu items with seasonal ingredients.
• Ensure dishes are well presented before service.
• Collaborate with management on customer feedback.
• Train and mentor junior staff.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and cleanliness.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Food safety

Communication

Education

Formal culinary qualification

Tools

POS systems

Kitchen management software

Job description

About the role

Mr Pilgrim Cafe is seeking an experienced Chef to join our dynamic kitchen team on a full-time basis in our Semaphore, SA 5019 location. This is a pivotal position where you will lead the culinary operations and uphold our commitment to delivering exceptional food quality and innovative dining experiences to our guests. As Chef, you will be responsible for menu development, food preparation, kitchen management, and ensuring the highest standards of food safety and presentation. This role offers the opportunity to showcase your culinary expertise whilst contributing to the vibrant café culture at Mr Pilgrim Cafe.

Key responsibilities

Preparing and cooking a variety of dishes according to established recipes and menu specifications, maintaining consistency and quality standards.

Leading and supervising kitchen staff, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to food preparation protocols.

Managing inventory, ordering ingredients, and controlling food costs whilst minimising wastage.

Maintaining strict hygiene and food safety standards in compliance with health and safety regulations.

Developing and refining menu items, incorporating seasonal ingredients and current culinary trends.

Ensuring all dishes are plated and presented to the highest standard before service.

Collaborating with management to understand customer preferences and feedback to continuously improve offerings.

Training and mentoring junior kitchen staff to develop their skills and maintain team morale.

Managing kitchen equipment maintenance and ensuring a clean, organised working environment.

What we're looking for

Formal culinary qualification is mandatory for this position.

Minimum 3–5 years' experience as a Chef or in a senior kitchen role within a café, restaurant or hospitality establishment.

Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques, cooking methods, and menu planning.

Demonstrated expertise in health and food safety standards and practices, a Food Safety Supervisor Certificate is a must.

Excellent leadership and communication skills with the ability to manage and motivate a kitchen team under pressure.

Creativity and passion for culinary innovation whilst maintaining quality and consistency.

Strong organisational and time management abilities, with the capacity to work efficiently during peak service times.

Physical fitness and stamina to meet the demands of a busy kitchen environment.

Flexibility and reliability, with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and customer needs.

Experience with point-of-sale systems and kitchen management software is advantageous.

Valid work visa is required for Australian work eligibility

What we offer

Mr Pilgrim Cafe is committed to creating a supportive and engaging workplace for our team. We offer competitive remuneration, opportunities for professional development and growth within the hospitality industry, and a collaborative kitchen environment where your culinary skills are valued and celebrated. We foster a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, providing our chefs with the resources and support needed to excel. As a full-time team member, you will benefit from regular scheduling, a positive workplace culture, and the satisfaction of delivering outstanding culinary experiences to our valued customers.

About us

Mr Pilgrim Cafe is a cherished destination for café culture in Semaphore, dedicated to delivering exceptional food, warm hospitality, and memorable experiences to our community. We pride ourselves on our commitment to quality ingredients, innovative menu offerings, and a welcoming atmosphere that keeps our guests returning. Our team is passionate about creating delicious, satisfying meals that reflect the vibrant spirit of our location. At Mr Pilgrim Cafe, we believe that great food and genuine connection form the heart of our business, and we are seeking talented culinary professionals to help us continue this tradition.