Head Chef

HEAD CHEF – Catseye Pool Club by Josh and Julie Niland 
Hamilton Island is looking for a Head Chef that will lead our premier dining outlet, Catseye Pool Club, in our new botique hotel, The Sundays. You will work alonside award-winning chefs Josh andJulie Niland, renowned for their three-hatted Sydney restaurant, Saint Peter. The Nilands will bring their innovative cuulinary vision to Hamilton Island, blending exceptional cuisine with a warm, family-focused dining experience

Why You'll Love Working With Us

• Lead a team of professionals  high-profile seafood restaurant with a globally recognised culinary duo
• Enjoy the island lifestyle – no commute, reef on your doorstep, and daily tropical inspiration
• Benefit from a competitive salary, subsidised accommodation, and staff perks including $15/week gym membership, retail/restaurant discounts, and more

Your Role
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the entire kitchen operation of Catseye Pool Club, shaping a menu that reflects the Nilands' ethical seafood philosophy and Hamilton Island's commitment to culinary excellence. You will manage and mentor a skilled brigade, oversee kitchen financials, and ensure outstanding guest experiences through inspired seafood-forward cuisine.

Where You'll Make an Impact

• Lead a skilled team in delivering consistently high standards of seafood preparation and presentation
• Design, execute, and evolve daily and seasonal menus using whole-fish cookery, dry-ageing, and zero-waste principles
• Collaborate closely with Josh and Julie Niland and the Hamilton Island Culinary Director
• Ensure operational efficiency across food costing, stock control, rostering, and P&L management
• Maintain and elevate food safety, hygiene, and compliance practices
• Foster a strong team culture built on professionalism, learning, and pride in sustainable food philosophy

What We're Looking For
You are a highly experienced, innovative, and committed culinary leader with a deep understanding of seafood, sustainability, and modern Australian cuisine. You thrive in dynamic, premium environments and take pride in mentoring high-performing teams.

To Be Successful, You Will Need:

• Minimum 5 years' experience as Head Chef or in a senior leadership role within premium dining
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (Essential)
• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (Essential)
• Advanced seafood knowledge, including filleting, dry-ageing, and ethical fish practices
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing brigade
• Proven financial and operational management skills
• Strong planning, communication, and collaboration abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or similar systems
• Commitment to culinary excellence, guest experience, and innovation

Your Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Subsidised furnished staff accommodation (via salary sacrifice)
• Staff discounts on restaurants, tours, retail, and access to a subsidised staff café
• $16.5/week gym membership
• Career development through Hamilton Island's diverse culinary portfolio
• Unmatched work-life balance in one of Australia's most beautiful locations

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.

Be part of a game-changing seafood experience. Apply now