Head Chef - Events

Hamilton Island; City of Brisbane; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned resort destination in Queensland is seeking a dynamic Head Chef to oversee culinary operations across its expansive Events portfolio. The candidate will lead a dedicated team, manage high-volume kitchen operations, and design bespoke menus for weddings and corporate events. Requires significant experience in high-pressure environments and strong leadership skills. This opportunity combines a stunning location with a commitment to excellence in culinary experiences.

Benefits

Attractive salary

Subsidised accommodation

Gym and dining discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Head Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role.
• Experience in Events, Banqueting, and/or Corporate Kitchens.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations for events and retreats.
• Design bespoke menus and oversee quality execution.
• Manage kitchen operations and ensure food safety compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Creativity

Food Safety Knowledge

Budgeting

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Head Chef – Events, Functions, Weddings & Corporate Catering / Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is seeking a dynamic and experienced Head Chef to lead culinary delivery across our expansive Events & Conventions portfolio. From elegant weddings and corporate retreats to large-scale events like Hamilton Island Race Week and The Great Barrier Feast, this is a rare opportunity to oversee the largest event kitchen in the Whitsundays—all set on one of Australia’s most breathtaking island destinations.

Why you’ll love working with us

• Take the lead in one of Australia’s most stunning resort environments, guiding a passionate culinary team.
• Live the island lifestyle – enjoy tropical living, no commute, and daily inspiration from the sea and sky.
• Enjoy premium benefits – attractive salary, subsidised accommodation, and exclusive staff perks including gym and dining discounts.

Your Role

As Head Chef of the Events team, you’ll lead culinary operations across the island for everything from large-scale gala dinners and corporate retreats to elegant weddings and pop-up activations. You will oversee a team of chefs, manage kitchen operations, design bespoke menus, and ensure each event exceeds expectations in quality, execution, and guest satisfaction. Reporting to the Executive Chef and Culinary Director, you’ll play a key role in driving consistency, innovation, and performance in a high-output, high-standard kitchen environment.

Where you’ll make an impact

• Lead and develop a dedicated team across all Conventions & Events kitchen operations
• Oversee catering for 450+ weddings, large-scale conferences (up to 1,000 pax), and iconic events like Hamilton Island Race Week and The Great Barrier Feast
• Design and cost seasonal and custom event menus aligned with dietary needs and guest expectations
• Maintain premium standards across presentation, quality, and service delivery
• Collaborate with the Events Planning team and key stakeholders to ensure seamless operational delivery
• Monitor team performance, inventory, labour costs, P&L, and food cost targets
• Champion food safety and compliance protocols island-wide
• Foster a positive kitchen culture built on training, mentorship, and consistency

What we’re looking for

You’re a passionate, experienced, and creative culinary leader who thrives in dynamic, high-pressure environments. You lead by example, deliver exceptional results, and bring a hands-on approach to training and innovation. You understand what it takes to deliver large-scale events at a luxury level and are excited to drive excellence at every touchpoint.

To be successful, you will need

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (Essential)
• Food Safety Supervisor Cerificate (Essential)
• Valid Drivers Licence (Essential)
• Experience in Events, Banqueting, and/or Corporate Kitchens (Essential)
• Minimum 5 years\' experience as a Head Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role
• Proven experience managing high-volume operations, off-site catering, and luxury event execution
• Strong leadership and team development skills with a focus on motivation and mentorship
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, kitchen compliance, and reporting practices
• Experience in budgeting, procurement, costing, and rostering
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite

About Hamilton Island

Our mission is to share the wonder of Hamilton Island with the world by creating wonder-filled experiences for our guests, employees and community.

Every team member plays a role in shaping those experiences – making Hamilton Island not just a great place to visit, but a great place to work.

A little island can do wonders – make your next career move one to remember!