Chef/Kitchen Manager

seek.com.au; Byron Bay; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Work-life balance

Great culture

Job summary

seek.com.au is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager to lead the kitchen team in Byron Bay. You will own daily BOH operations, drive culinary quality, and oversee flow and profitability, working closely with the Venue Manager and executive team.

You will mentor a hard-working BOH team, manage rosters and COGS, and uphold high standards of hygiene and presentation in a vibrant, premium casual restaurant and cocktail bar.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in a Kitchen Manager, Head Chef, or Senior Sous Chef role within a high-volume, premium restaurant.
• Strong understanding of kitchen P&L metrics, stock control, COGS, labour management, and margin targets.
• Proactive leader who leads by example, communicates clearly under pressure, and builds team morale.
• Uncompromising attention to detail, dish quality, hygiene, and kitchen organization.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations during prep and service, maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation, and speed of service.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate a passionate BOH team to a high-performing culture.
• Manage rosters efficiently to match business demand while controlling labour costs.
• Handle stock ordering, inventory control, supplier management, and wastage minimisation to meet gross profit targets.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

P&L awareness

Job description

We are seeking an experienced, passionate, and systems-driven Kitchen Manager to lead our kitchen team.

In this role, you will take full ownership of daily back-of-house operations, leading a hard-working team to consistently deliver exceptional food while maintaining strong financial efficiency. You’ll work closely with the Venue Manager and executive team to drive culinary quality, kitchen flow, and BOH profitability.

The Venue

Located in Byron Bay, our venue is a high-volume, premium casual restaurant and cocktail bar. We serve a vibrant, produce-driven sharing menu alongside an elevated beverage offering. With a reputation for high-energy dining, fresh quality ingredients, and tight operational standards, we pride ourselves on maintaining a supportive, professional kitchen culture.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership: Oversee daily kitchen operations during prep and service, maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation, and speed of service.

Team Leadership & Culture: Lead, mentor, and motivate a passionate BOH team. Foster a collaborative, respectful, and high-performing kitchen environment.

Rostering & Labor Control: Manage rosters efficiently to match business demand while maintaining labour cost targets.

COGS & Inventory Management: Handle stock ordering, inventory control, supplier management, and wastage minimisation to meet gross profit targets.

What We’re Looking For

Proven Experience: 2+ years in a Kitchen Manager, Head Chef, or Senior Sous Chef role within a high-volume, premium restaurant.

Financial Acumen: Solid understanding of kitchen P&L metrics, stock control, COGS, labour management, and margin targets.

Strong Leadership: A proactive leader who leads by example, communicates clearly under pressure, and builds team morale.

High Standards: Uncompromising attention to detail, dish consistency, hygiene, and kitchen organisation.

What We Offer

Competitive Salary: Attractive remuneration package tailored to your experience plus performance bonus.

Work-Life Balance: Structured rosters allowing you to make the most of the Byron Bay lifestyle.

Great Culture: Join a vibrant, supportive hospitality team that values hard work and celebrates success.