Head Chef

Work Initiatives; Brisbane; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growth opportunity

Quality kitchen leadership

Coastal location

Job summary

Work Initiatives in Brisbane’s coastal area seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen from the pass, ensuring high‑quality Italian dishes and top-notch service. You will work closely with the Owner to drive excellence and commercial success.

You will mentor and develop the kitchen team, manage food costs and stock, and influence menu direction in a hands-on, busy service environment along Brisbane’s Bayside Esplanade.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in quality restaurant settings.
• Strong Italian cuisine experience preferred.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop a kitchen team.
• Solid knowledge of food preparation, menu development, and consistent service.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the kitchen team and manage day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Oversee food quality, presentation, and service standards.
• Manage food costs, stock, ordering and kitchen budgets.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene and kitchen compliance.

Skills

Head Chef

Senior Sous Chef

Italian cuisine

Leadership

Mentoring

Menu development

Food cost control

Stock management

Kitchen budgets

Food safety

Hygiene

Organisational skills

Calm under pressure

Hands-on leadership

Team oriented

Job description

Our client is a vibrant coastal Italian restaurant located on Manly's Esplanade, bringing together relaxed dining, quality Italian cuisine and a strong connection to the local community.With a focus on fresh produce, authentic flavours and memorable dining experiences, this is a venue where great food, warm hospitality and a relaxed coastal atmosphere come together.

The Role

As Head Chef, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and operation of the kitchen, ensuring consistently high food quality, presentation and service standards.Working closely with the Owner, you will lead and develop the kitchen team, manage food costs and stock, and ensure the kitchen operates efficiently across a busy service environment. This is a hands‑on role suited to a passionate Chef who enjoys being on the pass, leading a team and creating high‑quality food while maintaining strong commercial and operational standards.

Your Skills & Experience To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a quality restaurant environment
• Strong Italian cuisine experience highly regarded
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop a professional kitchen team
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, menu development and consistent service delivery
• Experience managing food costs, stock control, ordering and kitchen budgets
• Excellent understanding of food safety, hygiene and kitchen compliance
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure
• A hands‑on leadership style with a genuine passion for quality food
• Ability to maintain high standards across a busy service
• A positive, professional and team‑focused approach

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a quality restaurant environment
• Strong Italian cuisine experience highly regarded
• Proven ability to lead, mentor and develop a professional kitchen team
• Strong knowledge of food preparation, menu development and consistent service delivery
• Experience managing food costs, stock control, ordering and kitchen budgets
• Excellent understanding of food safety, hygiene and kitchen compliance
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure
• A hands‑on leadership style with a genuine passion for quality food
• Ability to maintain high standards across a busy service
• A positive, professional and team‑focused approach

What's On Offer

• Salary package up to $100K + Super
• Prime coastal location on Brisbane's Bayside Esplanade
• Opportunity to take ownership of an evolving Italian kitchen
• Work with quality produce and a passionate hospitality team
• Opportunity to influence menus and kitchen operations
• Supportive and professional working environment
• Genuine opportunity to make your mark on a growing restaurant

Ready to take the next step in your culinary career?

If you're an experienced Head Chef looking for an opportunity where you can lead from the front, work with quality food and enjoy a fantastic coastal location, we'd love to hear from you.

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