HEAD CHEF

Zahli Restaurant; The Rocks; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Zahli Restaurant is seeking a Head Chef to lead a high-end kitchen in a dynamic setting in The Rocks, NSW. You will oversee dish preparation, menu development, and staff performance, ensuring consistent quality and presentation.

Ideal candidates bring 2+ years in commercial kitchens, AQF Certification in cookery, and a strong grasp of food safety. The role demands accuracy, resilience under pressure, and leadership in a busy fine-dining or high-volume environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience as a Cook or Sous Chef in a commercial kitchen.
• Holds an AQF Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent).
• Experience in Middle Eastern cuisine is highly regarded.
• Proven track record in a fine dining or high-volume kitchen.
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene practices.
• Excellent English communication skills – verbal and written.
• High attention to detail and quality.
• Able to work under pressure and meet tight timelines.
• Reliable, motivated, and team-oriented.
• Strong time-management and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients and ensure readiness from RM to FG.
• Estimate and assist in controlling food and labour costs.
• Operate and maintain high-end kitchen equipment (e.g. chargrill, deep fryer, oven, blixer).
• Assist in menu planning and creation of specials with senior chefs.
• Season, portion, plate, and garnish dishes with precision and consistency.
• Ensure quality of ingredients and finished dishes meets Zahli standards.
• Minimise waste through efficient kitchen practices.
• Maintain hygiene and sanitation practices in compliance with NSW Health regulations.
• Train and support junior kitchen staff and trainees.
• Adhere to company policies and customer service standards.

Skills

Leadership

Food safety

English communication

Time management

Team leadership

Equipment operation

Education

AQF Certificate III/IV in Commercial Cookery

Tools

Chargrill

Deep fryer

Oven

Blixer

Job description

This is a Head Chef position in a commercial kitchen environment, responsible for preparing ingredients, operating high-end kitchen equipment, and maintaining quality standards across food preparation and presentation.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare ingredients and ensure readiness from raw materials (RM) to semi-finished (SFG) and finished goods (FG)
• Estimate and assist in controlling food and labour costs
• Operate and maintain high-end kitchen equipment (e.g. chargrill, deep fryer, oven, blixer)
• Assist in menu planning and creation of specials with senior chefs
• Season, portion, plate, and garnish dishes with precision and consistency
• Ensure quality of ingredients and finished dishes meets Zahli standards
• Minimise waste through efficient kitchen practices
• Maintain hygiene and sanitation practices in compliance with NSW Health regulations
• Train and support junior kitchen staff and trainees
• Adhere to company policies and customer service standards

About you

• Minimum 2 years' experience as a Cook or Sous Chef in a commercial kitchen
• Holds an AQF Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent)
• Experience in Middle Eastern cuisine is highly regarded
• Proven track record in a fine dining or high-volume kitchen
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene practices
• Excellent English communication skills – verbal and written
• High attention to detail and quality
• Able to work under pressure and meet tight timelines
• Reliable, motivated, and team-oriented
• Strong time-management and organisational skills