Head Chef

Heron Island is seeking a Head Chef to manage and lead the entire operation of the Heron Island Kitchen. This is a live on role residing in the Heron Staff Village in furnished self-contained accommodation. Free accommodation and meals. This role includes overseeing:

• Shearwater Restaurant.
• Ballies Bar.
• Staff Canteen including menu planning.
• Supporting and managing the Wilson Island Kitchen operations.
• Events and functions.

About us

ALDESTA HOTELS (AUSTRALIA) PTY LTD Aldesta operates unique hotels and resorts in Australia and Canada. We provide our guests with the opportunity to experience the natural wonders that have made the Great Barrier Reef and British Columbia such treasured travel destinations, while always striving for the highest level of service and quality. 

Heron Island is a true coral cay, located right on the Great Barrier Reef. surrounded by sugar white sands, crystal clear waters and acres of brilliant coral. The reef experience on Heron is a unique encounter few other resorts in the world can offer. A near-perfect climate, ours is an extraordinary place to live and work all year round.

An established resort, Heron accommodates up to nearly 300 guests with the primary draw card being located right on the Great Barrier Reef. There is a marine centre, activities centre, boutique, award-winning day spa, spacious lounge and bar overlooking the pool plus the expansive Shearwater Restaurant. Marine activities for guests and staff include world-class diving, snorkelling, kayaking and cruises.

Our Shearwater Restaurant is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is an expansive hot and cold buffet style of a very high and generous standard. Lunch is a la carte focusing on light to medium meals. Dinner is a variety of multi-selection buffet and a la carte.

We are now seeking dynamic and energetic full time Head Chef tomanage out kitchen brigade of chefs, cooks and stewards and delivering exceptional service to our guests.

To be considered for this role:

• Experience as a Head Chef within a hotel and resort environment. Especially in a fast-paced environment.
• Remote experience would be highly regarded but not essential.
• Demonstrated experience in kitchen financial management. Including management of staff, labour, food costs, operational expenses.
• Knowledgeable in Health & Safety regulations, HACCP food preparation guidelines and FWA compliance.
• Proven leadership skills in supporting a kitchen brigade via mentoring and coaching to develop existing and new talent.
• Team player that encourages collaboration between all departments, with exceptional communication skills.
• An Australian recognized Trade or relevant qualification in Commercial Cookery.
• High attention to detail and passionate about quality presentation.
• Ability to prioritize and work well under pressure.
• Monitoring portion and waste control.
• Experience and knowledge in stock control and ordering.
• Adaptability to change and willingness to embrace new ideas and processes.
• Preparing, cooking and presenting high quality dishes.
• Good communication and organizational skills.
• Flexibility and capability to work across all sections.
• Can do attitude who works safely at all times.

Key responsibilities

• Food ordering with emphasis on cost control for all outlets.
• Food safety and compliance (Food Safety Supervisor certification would be highly regarded).
• Maintaining high cleanliness and hygiene standards.
• Event food management planning for corporate entertainment.
• Up-to-date with culinary trends whilst optimising kitchen processes.
• Hands on role while managing the entire kitchen operation at the same time.
• Menu Planning

Applicants must submit their resume, a copy of your qualifications and evidence of your legal right to work in Australia.

Working in a Remote location is not for everyone, particularly if you are used to the bright lights & fast paced life of the city, so you must think carefully about the reality of living in a remote location for an extended period time. In return we offer a truly unique working environment in one of the world's most amazing locations.