Executive Chef

Compass Group Australia; South Australia; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meals provided on shift

Discounts across Compass stores

Career growth and development

Job summary

Compass Group Australia is seeking a Regional Executive Chef to lead culinary strategy across a multi-site portfolio in Australia. You will mentor Head Chefs, drive innovative menus, and ensure top quality experiences for clients and guests.

The role requires travel across sites, strong P&L awareness, and a proven track record in large-volume catering. A Certificate III in Commercial Cookery and HACCP credentials are essential.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery is required.
• Trade-qualified Executive Chef with 10+ years in senior culinary leadership.
• Experience managing multiple sites or operations and P&L awareness.
• Strong HACCP knowledge and food cost control.

Responsibilities

• Drive culinary standards, consistency, and excellence across sites.
• Lead menu development, client-focused food propositions, and innovation.
• Coach and develop Head Chefs and senior culinary teams.
• Improve food quality, presentation, and guest satisfaction.
• Oversee food cost performance and waste reduction initiatives.
• Engage clients with tastings, reviews, and innovation discussions.
• Support mobilisations, bids, VIP events, and projects.
• Champion food safety and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic thinking

People development

Menu development

Food safety

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Regional Executive Chef

Olympic Dam | Multi-Site Leadership Role

Are you an experienced culinary leader ready to influence food strategy, standards, and innovation across a large-scale remote operations portfolio?

We are seeking a passionate and commercially minded Regional Executive Chef to lead culinary excellence across multiple sites within our Operations & Resources sector. This is a unique opportunity for a highly accomplished chef to drive best practice, mentor culinary teams, enhance client experiences, and shape the future of food services across a diverse portfolio.

About the Role

Reporting to the Area Manager, the Regional Executive Chef is responsible for:

• Driving food standards, consistency, and operational excellence across multiple sites.
• Leading culinary innovation and client-focused food propositions.
• Coaching, mentoring, and developing Head Chefs, Sous Chefs, Chefs, and Utilities.
• Improving food quality, presentation, and customer satisfaction outcomes.
• Supporting menu development, implementation, and compliance.
• Managing food cost performance and waste reduction initiatives.
• Building strong client relationships through innovation and service excellence.
• Supporting mobilisations, bids, VIP events, and special projects.
• Championing food safety, health and safety, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational support and requires regular travel throughout the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Standards

• Drive culinary standards and best practices across all sites.
• Deliver innovative food concepts that exceed client and guest expectations.
• Conduct quality audits and provide operational coaching.
• Lead food safety and HACCP compliance initiatives.
• Support the implementation and success of culinary systems and programs.

People Leadership

• Coach and develop senior culinary teams.
• Assist with succession planning and talent development.
• Support recruitment of senior chefs and key operational personnel.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning.

Menu Development & Innovation

• Develop and implement seasonal and contract-specific menus.
• Create forward-thinking culinary plans tailored to client needs.
• Incorporate guest feedback, food trends, nutrition considerations, and food waste insights into menu design.
• Deliver memorable dining experiences, special events, and VIP functions.

Commercial & Operational Excellence

• Monitor and support food cost performance across the portfolio.
• Drive menu compliance and recipe adherence.
• Reduce food waste and improve purchasing efficiencies.
• Support sites to achieve financial targets while maintaining quality outcomes.

Client Engagement

• Establish strong relationships with site and corporate client stakeholders.
• Conduct food presentations, tastings, and quarterly innovation reviews.
• Identify opportunities to enhance food offerings and create additional value for clients.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

Essential Requirements

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery.
• Trade-qualified Executive Chef.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in senior culinary leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple sites or operations.
• Strong commercial acumen with a sound understanding of P&L management and food cost control.
• Experience leading large-volume catering operations.
• HACCP qualification.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to influence change across diverse teams and environments.
• Current Police Clearance or the ability to obtain one.

Desirable Experience

• FIFO, remote site, or resources sector catering experience.
• Food Safety Supervisor qualification.
• Menu development and nutrition planning experience.
• Experience operating within strict budgetary constraints.
• OH&S and food hygiene training.
• Demonstrated success in developing high-performing culinary teams.

The Benefits

• Access to 100+ retail and lifestyle discounts.
• Ongoing training and career growth within Compass Group.
• Meals provided while on shift.
• Opportunity to learn new skills and move into different internal roles.
• Work with industry-leading teams and clients.
• Be part of a safety-first, people-focused culture.
• Diverse, rewarding, and highly visible leadership position.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to influence culinary excellence across a major portfolio, drive innovation, develop future culinary leaders, and create exceptional dining experiences for our clients and consumers. If you're passionate about food, leadership, and operational excellence, we'd love to hear from you.