Executive Chef - Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisine

Cezaros; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive salary package

Performance-based bonuses

Lead your own kitchen team from day 1

Creative input into menu development

Modern kitchen with charcoal/wood-fire

Job summary

Cezaros is opening a new 300-seat Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurant in Modbury SA, offering an attractive salary with bonuses. We seek an experienced Executive Chef to lead the kitchen from day one, shape the menu, hire and mentor the team, and ensure exceptional quality and service.

You will supervise charcoal grilling, cost management, and kitchen workflows, while collaborating with front-of-house to create a memorable dining experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading a busy kitchen.
• Strong background in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine is preferred.
• Experience developing menus, costing dishes and managing food and labour costs.
• Hands-on leadership style with ability to train and motivate a kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Lead all day-to-day kitchen operations from prep through service.
• Refine and improve Middle Eastern and Mediterranean menu with new dishes and seasonal specials.
• Oversee charcoal grilling and flame cooking to ensure authentic flavours and quality.
• Recruit, train and lead a skilled kitchen team; manage staff rosters and labour costs.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and portion control.
• Ensure kitchen safety, hygiene and food safety compliance.
• Collaborate with front-of-house to deliver excellent dining experiences.
• Drive kitchen efficiency, reduce waste and maintain profitability.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Cost control

Staff training

Food safety compliance

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Culinary qualifications

Job description

Executive Chef - Middle Eastern and Mediterranean Cuisine

$110,000 – $150,000 per year plus bonuses

We are opening an exciting new 300-seat Middle Eastern and Mediterranean restaurant in Modbury SA, specialising in authentic flavours, charcoal grilling and high-quality food at reasonable prices.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Executive Chef to lead our kitchen from day one. This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape a new restaurant, build your own kitchen team and play a key role in its success.

Our core menu has already been developed, but you will have the opportunity to contribute your ideas, refine dishes and bring your own expertise to the table.

We believe in doing fewer dishes exceptionally well. Our menu will be focused on delivering great flavour, consistent quality and efficient service, even during our busiest periods.

We are looking for someone who loves great food, takes pride in their work and knows how to lead a busy kitchen without compromising on quality.

What you will be doing

As our Executive Chef, you will take responsibility for running the kitchen, leading your team and ensuring every dish meets our standards for quality, flavour and presentation.

Your key responsibilities will include:

Leading all day-to-day kitchen operations, from food preparation through to service.

Working with us to refine and improve our Middle Eastern and Mediterranean menu, including developing new dishes and seasonal specials.

Overseeing charcoal grilling and flame cooking to ensure authentic flavours and consistent quality.

Recruiting, training and leading a skilled, motivated kitchen team.

Managing food costs, stock, ordering and supplier relationships.

Maintaining high standards of food quality, presentation, portion control and consistency.

Managing kitchen rosters, staffing levels and labour costs.

Ensuring the kitchen meets all food safety, hygiene and workplace safety requirements.

Working closely with the front-of-house team to deliver a great dining experience.

Finding ways to improve kitchen efficiency, reduce waste and maintain profitability without compromising food quality.

Helping design kitchen workflows, preparation systems and service processes to ensure the restaurant runs smoothly from opening day.

What we’re looking for

We're looking for a talented, experienced chef who is passionate about great food and knows how to lead a successful kitchen.

Ideally, you'll bring:

At least 3 years' experience as a Head Chef or Executive Chef in a busy restaurant.

A strong background in Lebanese, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, particularly charcoal grilling or flame cooking highly regarded.

Excellent cooking skills and a genuine passion for authentic flavours and quality ingredients.

Proven experience leading, training and motivating a kitchen team.

The ability to maintain high food quality and consistency during busy service periods.

Experience developing menus, costing dishes and managing food and labour costs.

Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to stay calm under pressure.

A thorough understanding of food safety, hygiene and kitchen safety standards.

A hands-on approach and willingness to lead by example.

Relevant culinary qualifications are desirable, but practical experience and proven ability are just as important.

What we offer

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a brand-new restaurant and help build something special from the very beginning.

We offer:

Attractive salary package based on your experience and skills.

Performance-based bonuses rewarding the success of the kitchen and restaurant.

The opportunity to build and lead your own kitchen team from day one.

Creative input into menu development, recipes and kitchen operations.

A modern, well-equipped kitchen featuring charcoal and wood-fire cooking.

A supportive and collaborative workplace where your ideas and experience are valued.

Interstate applicants welcome: Relocation and settling-in assistance is available for the right candidate.

You'll have the opportunity to make a real difference, take ownership of your kitchen and play an important role in the restaurant's long-term success.

Ready to make your mark?

If you're an experienced Head Chef or Executive Chef with a passion for Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine, this is your chance to take the lead in launching an exciting new 300-seat restaurant in Adelaide.

You’ll have the opportunity to build your own kitchen team, bring your ideas to life and play a major role in creating a restaurant known for exceptional food and authentic flavours.

All applications will be treated confidentially.