Head Chef

5 days ago

Airlie Beach QLD, Australia La Tabella Italian Full time $110,000 per year

Head Chef – Italian Restaurant (Airlie Beach)

Free accommodation provided for 6 6-month period

About Us

We're a vibrant Italian restaurant in the heart of Airlie Beach, celebrated for authentic flavours, fresh ingredients, and a lively atmosphere. Our menu is inspired by traditional Italian cuisine and delivered with warm, professional service.

The Role

We're seeking a full-time Head Chef who is loyal, passionate, and experienced to lead our kitchen team and drive excellence across food, people, and operations.

ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Culture

  • Lead by example to foster a respectful, inclusive, professional kitchen.
  • Mentor and train chefs to become motivated, skilled, and reliable team members.
  • Proactively surface cultural challenges to ownership and collaborate on solutions.
  • Demonstrate an open-minded, growth-oriented attitude—listen, learn, and evolve.

Menu & Culinary Standards

  • Design seasonal menus aligned to our vision, balancing creativity with cost.
  • Elevate dishes with new techniques, ingredients, and presentation.
  • Own taste, presentation, and portion consistency for every plate.

Kitchen Operations

  • Build rosters, assign sections, and optimise prep and service workflows.
  • Maintain smooth service during peak periods through strong pass management.
  • Implement continuous improvements to systems and processes.

Food Safety & Hygiene

  • Enforce strict food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards.
  • Train staff regularly; keep the kitchen clean, organised, and audit-ready.
  • Ensure full compliance with all health regulations.

Supplier, Inventory & Cost Control

  • Build strong supplier relationships to secure top-quality ingredients.
  • Oversee ordering, stock rotation, and waste minimisation.
  • Monitor food and labour costs to meet targets while maintaining quality.
  • Analyse menu pricing and GP to support a healthy P&L.

Collaboration & Communication

  • Work closely with owners/management to execute the restaurant vision.
  • Align menu, operations, and service with business goals and guest feedback.
  • Partner with front-of-house for a seamless guest experience.

Brand, Media & Innovation

  • Be comfortable on camera showcasing dishes for social media.
  • Produce visually compelling plates for photo/video.
  • Propose creative concepts (specials, events, features) that differentiate us.

About You

  • Open-minded, professional leader who supports and grows the owner's vision.
  • Welcomes constructive feedback; committed to learning and improvement.
  • Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in a fast-paced venue.
  • Exceptional culinary skills with a passion for Italian cuisine.
  • Minimum 3 years as a Head Chef (Italian experience preferred).
  • Australian citizen or permanent resident (required to apply).
  • Strong people leadership, organisation, and team development skills.
  • Rigorous approach to quality, cost control, cleanliness, and safety.
  • Positive, resilient, and solutions-oriented.

Job Types: Full-time, Casual

Pay: From $110,000.00 per year

Work Authorisation:

  • Australia (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

  • Head Chef

    1 day ago

    Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia La Marina Full time $80,000 - $120,000 per year

    Head Chef – La MarinaItalian Restaurant | Marina Front | Open KitchenLa Marina, a premier waterfront dining destination in Airlie Beach, is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. With a stunning marina-front location and an open kitchen design, we showcase Italian cuisine in a lively and engaging atmosphere.About the RoleWe are looking...

  • Chefs - Sous - Head

    1 week ago

    Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia Private Advertiser Full time $60,000 - $80,000 per year

    Italian Restaurant — Now Hiring: Head Chef, Sous Chef & ChefsLocation: Whitsundays, QLDEmployment: Full-time & CasualAbout usA high-volume, quality-focused Italian kitchen delivering fresh produce, classic technique, and standout guest experiences every service.Roles availableHead ChefSous ChefChef de Partie / Commis ChefsKey responsibilitiesLead and...

  • Chef

    2 weeks ago

    Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia The Trustee For The Stebbeings Family Trust Full time $60,000 - $120,000 per year

    Chef Wanted – Create & Inspire at Sidewalk CaféSidewalk Café in Airlie Beach is searching for a Chef who is passionate about creating unforgettable culinary experiences. This is more than just a job—it's an opportunity to work alongside our Head Chef, contribute to our shared vision for exceptional dining, and develop your skills in a talented kitchen...

  • Head Chef

    1 week ago

    Sunshine Beach QLD, Australia RA Restaurant and Bar Full time $64,315 - $80,000 per year

    Head Chef – Ra RestaurantSunshine Beach / Sunshine CoastRa is a modern Sri Lankan-inspired restaurant bringing bold flavours and fresh ideas to the Sunshine Coast. Since opening in late 2024, we've built a reputation for our warm hospitality and vibrant dining experience – and now we're looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team.About...

  • Demi Chef

    1 week ago

    Airlie Beach, Australia Travel + Leisure Co. Full time

    Overview We Put the World on Vacation Travel + Leisure Co. is the world’s leading vacation ownership and travel membership company, with a dynamic and growing portfolio of resort, travel club, and lifestyle travel brands. Our dedicated associates help the company achieve its mission to put the world on vacation. Innovation and growth keep our work...

  • Head Chef

    2 weeks ago

    Caloundra QLD, Australia ALH Hotels Full time

    About the RoleHead Chef | Pelican Waters HotelWe're searching for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen at the Pelican Waters Hotel - the beating heart of our local community and the place where pub classics meet plates locals can't get enough of.With spectacular water views and a buzzing local crowd, Pelican Waters Tavern is a true coastal favourite. We're...

  • Head Chef

    1 day ago

    Moffat Beach, Queensland, Australia Stoa Bokarina Full time $80,000 - $110,000 per year

    Head Chef – starting from $85K + Super | No Nights | Daytime Hours OnlyOne Block Back – Sunshine CoastWhy You'll Love This RoleStarting from $85,000 + super – competitive salary above industry averageDaytime hours only – kitchen closes 2pm dailyWork-life balance – no nightsCreative input into menu + autonomy in the kitchenSupportive, family-style...

  • Head Chef

    2 weeks ago

    Mackay QLD, Australia Rare bar and Grill Full time

    Rare Bar & Grill, located in the heart of Mackay Qld, is looking for a Head Chef to lead its kitchen to further success. The current team is motivated to provide our guests with an authentic, fresh experience using the best produce in season. We are looking for a motivated, passionate chef to drive the kitchen to its full potential. This role will suit a...

  • ▷ Immediate Start: Full Time Chef

    2 weeks ago

    Coolum Beach, Australia Australia Chef Migration Full time

    Overview Rosa Italian is looking for an additional experienced Chef to join the team. You will be working within an energetic, friendly environment, with a dedicated Head Chef and team who are fun and treat each other like a big family. This is a unique opportunity for a professional Chef looking to join the kitchen team and to enjoy the fast-paced...

  • Head Chef

    2 weeks ago

    Main Beach, Queensland, Australia 10M Business Solutions Pty Ltd Full time

    Head Chef – Milan on Main (Italian Restaurant, Main Beach) Main Beach, Gold Coast Attractive Salary + Performance Bonuses Full-Time | Immediate StartAbout Milan on MainMilan on Main is one of Main Beach's most loved Italian restaurants — celebrated for its authentic flavours, premium ingredients, and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Our menu combines classic...