Head Chef

WILMA; Canberra; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Wilma Public Bar & Grill in Canberra is seeking a Head Chef to oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, lead the BOH team, and uphold high standards of food quality and presentation. You will work closely with management on menu planning, costing, and service execution, developing your team while maintaining a calm, professional kitchen culture that delivers consistent dining experiences.

The role requires strong leadership, a genuine passion for food, and the ability to stay composed under

Qualifications

• Previous Head Chef or senior kitchen leader experience in a busy restaurant.
• Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Confident managing service, prep, stock, ordering and kitchen standards.
• Relevant commercial cookery qualifications or equivalent industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen service and ensure dishes meet Wilma's standards.
• Manage prep, ordering, stock control, wastage and kitchen organisation.
• Support and be coachable in menu development, specials and seasonal changes.
• Train, mentor and motivate chefs, cooks and kitchen hands.
• Maintain strong communication between kitchen, front-of-house and management.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene and WHS standards are followed at all times.
• Be fully accountable for rostering, labour planning and kitchen cost control.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organisation

Calm under pressure

Education

Commercial cookery

Job description

As Head Chef, you will oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, lead and develop the BOH team, maintain food quality and presentation standards, and work closely with management on menu planning, ordering, cost control and service execution.

Key responsibilities

Lead kitchen service and ensure dishes are prepared and presented to Wilma's standards.

Manage prep, ordering, stock control, wastage and kitchen organisation.

Support and be coachable in menu development, specials and seasonal changes.

Train, mentor and motivate chefs, cooks and kitchen hands.

Maintain strong communication between kitchen, front-of-house and management.

Ensure food safety, hygiene and WHS standards are followed at all times.

Be fully accountable for rostering, labour planning and kitchen cost control.

Create a calm, professional and high-performing kitchen culture.

About you

Previous experience as a Head Chef, Senior Sous Chef or strong kitchen leader in a busy restaurant environment is essential.

Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills.

Confident managing service, prep, stock, ordering and kitchen standards.

A genuine passion for food, quality produce and consistent execution.

Ability to stay calm under pressure and lead by example.

Relevant commercial cookery qualifications or equivalent industry experience.

About us

Wilma Public Bar & Grill is a vibrant Canberra CBD Venue bringing together bold Asia bbq-inspired food, live-fire cooking, quality Australian produce and a lively public bar atmosphere combined with a moody restaurant feel.

Wilma has built a strong reputation for great food, cocktails, service and atmosphere. With a busy restaurant, public bar, outdoor spaces and functions, it’s a high-energy venue at the heart of Canberra’s hospitality scene.