Head Chef - Events

Hamilton Island Enterprises; Whitsunday Regional; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious island resort in Queensland is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead culinary operations for events, functions, and weddings. The successful candidate will design bespoke menus, oversee a dedicated team of chefs, and ensure the highest standards of food quality and service. With over 5 years of experience required, this unique opportunity comes with premium benefits in a stunning island environment. Join us in creating unforgettable culinary experiences in a breathtaking locale.

Benefits

Attractive salary

Subsidized accommodation

Gym and dining discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Head Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role.
• Proven experience in managing high-volume operations and luxury event execution.
• Strong leadership skills with a focus on motivation and mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead culinary operations for various events and manage a team of chefs.
• Design bespoke menus and oversee catering for large-scale events.
• Monitor inventory, labor costs, and foster a positive kitchen culture.

Skills

Leadership

Food Safety Compliance

Culinary Creativity

Team Development

Event Execution

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)
• 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!