Head Chef

Pira Thai Cuisine; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Pira Thai Cuisine in Adelaide is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations and oversee the preparation of high-quality Thai cuisine. The right candidate will bring strong Thai cooking techniques, proven kitchen leadership, and a track record of maintaining consistent quality in a fast-paced dining environment.

You will oversee daily kitchen activities, develop menus, train staff, manage inventory and costs, and ensure compliance with food safety and workplace health and

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional chef experience.
• Experience in a fast-paced restaurant kitchen.
• Strong leadership and training skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of the kitchen during busy periods.
• Plan, coordinate and supervise food preparation to maintain high standards.
• Prepare authentic Thai cuisine per established recipes and standards.
• Develop and update menus including traditional and contemporary dishes.
• Supervise, train and allocate duties to kitchen staff.
• Manage food purchasing, stock, inventory, wastage and costs.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety requirements.
• Monitor quality, freshness, portion control and presentation.
• Collaborate with management on menu planning and events and food costing.
• Maintain equipment and records, coordinate opening/closing, and handle feedback.

Skills

Thai cooking techniques

Kitchen leadership

Food safety

Communication skills

Education

Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Pira Thai Cuisine is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations and oversee the preparation of high-quality Thai cuisine. The successful candidate will have strong knowledge of Thai cooking techniques, demonstrated kitchen leadership experience, and the ability to maintain consistent food quality in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the day-to-day operations of the kitchen, ensuring efficient workflow and smooth service during busy periods.
• Plan, coordinate and supervise food preparation and cooking activities, ensuring all dishes are prepared to a consistently high standard.
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of authentic Thai cuisine in accordance with established recipes, cooking techniques and restaurant standards.
• Develop, review and update menus, including traditional Thai dishes and contemporary variations, while maintaining authentic flavours and consistent presentation.
• Supervise, coordinate and train chefs, cooks, kitchen hands and other kitchen staff, including allocating duties, monitoring performance and providing guidance.
• Manage food purchasing, stock levels and inventory, including checking deliveries, conducting stocktakes, maintaining appropriate storage and rotation, and controlling food wastage and costs.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, sanitation and workplace health and safety requirements, while maintaining a clean, safe and organised kitchen.
• Monitor the quality, freshness, portion control and presentation of ingredients and dishes, and make appropriate adjustments to recipes or preparation methods where required.
• Collaborate with restaurant management on menu planning, seasonal specials, functions and special events, including assisting with food costing, menu pricing and kitchen planning.
• Maintain kitchen equipment and operational records, coordinate opening and closing procedures, respond appropriately to customer feedback, and work collaboratively with front-of-house staff and management to ensure efficient restaurant operations.

About you

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience as a Chef, with substantial experience in Thai cuisine.
• Demonstrated experience working in a commercial restaurant or professional kitchen environment.
• Extensive knowledge of Thai cuisine, ingredients, recipes and traditional cooking techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare a range of Thai dishes to a consistently high standard.
• Strong understanding of food preparation, cooking methods and food presentation.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively with chefs, kitchen staff, front-of-house employees and management.
• Relevant Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery, Culinary Arts or equivalent qualification is desirable.
• Thai language skills will be highly regarded due to the nature of the cuisine and kitchen operations.