Head Chef – Full-Time | Airlie Beach, Queensland
La Tabella 4802 Pty Ltd
Location: Shop 7, 6 The Esplanade, Airlie Beach QLD 4802
Salary: $90,000 – $100,000+ per annum plus superannuation
(Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus performance bonus opportunities and accommodation assistance.)
Lead One of the Whitsundays' Most Established Italian Restaurants
La Tabella Italian Restaurant is a busy, well-established and highly regarded restaurant located in the heart of Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays. For years, we have built our reputation on authentic Italian cuisine, exceptional hospitality and memorable dining experiences for both locals and visitors from around the world.
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our established kitchen team. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated culinary professional who wants to take ownership of a successful operation while working alongside owners who are committed to investing in people, systems, equipment and long-term growth.
If you are passionate about authentic Italian cuisine, leadership and operational excellence, we would love to hear from you.
The Opportunity
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for leading all aspects of kitchen operations, maintaining exceptional food quality standards and driving continuous improvement across the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, supervise and mentor the kitchen team, including chefs, cooks and kitchen hands
- Plan, prepare and oversee the production and presentation of all menu items to consistently high standards
- Develop, refine and implement menus, seasonal offerings and specials, including recipe development and standardisation
- Manage food purchasing, supplier relationships, stock control and food cost performance
- Ensure full compliance with food safety legislation, hygiene standards and workplace health and safety requirements
- Oversee daily kitchen operations, rostering, equipment maintenance and closing procedures
- Assist with budgeting, menu pricing, labour management and operational planning
- Work collaboratively with front-of-house management to deliver exceptional customer experiences
- Drive continuous improvement in kitchen systems, team performance, product quality and profitability
Skills and Experience
To be successful in this role, you will possess:
- A Diploma of Hospitality Management, Diploma or Advanced Diploma in Hospitality or Culinary Management, or an equivalent Australian or international qualification (AQF Diploma level or higher); alternatively, a minimum of three years of relevant experience may substitute for formal qualifications
- At least three years' experience as a qualified chef or cook within busy commercial kitchen environments
- Demonstrated experience leading and managing kitchen teams
- Strong knowledge and practical experience in authentic Italian cuisine, including fresh pasta production and traditional Italian cooking techniques
- Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills
- Sound understanding of food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety obligations
- Proven ability to manage food costs, stock control and kitchen profitability
- Availability to work a 38-hour week across a seven-day roster, including evenings, weekends and public holidays
What We Offer
- Competitive salary package of $90,000 – $100,000+ plus superannuation
- Performance bonus opportunities
- Accommodation assistance
- Stable, full-time employment within an established and respected business
- Long-term career growth opportunities
- A supportive ownership team committed to investing in people, systems and equipment
- The opportunity to lead one of the Whitsundays' premier Italian dining destinations
- The chance to live and work in one of Australia's most iconic coastal locations
How to Apply
Please apply through SEEK with your current resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant qualifications, experience and why you believe you would be a great fit for La Tabella.
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and look forward to hearing from passionate hospitality professionals seeking their next leadership opportunity.
Pay: $90,000.00 – $100,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
