About the role
We’re seeking a Cold Larder Chef / Cook, depending on experience, to join our award-winning kitchen team.
This role is hands-on, technical, and leadership-focused. You’ll be running sections, working the pass, mentoring junior chefs and apprentices, and driving consistency and quality through every service.
You’ll need to thrive in a high-performance kitchen, where we work hard, support each other, and deliver every plate with pride.
About us the business
Snapper Rocks isn’t your average kitchen.
We don’t reheat pre-purchased food. We start from scratch every day – breaking down whole fish, making bisques, jus and stocks, grilling over charcoal, and celebrating the very best local produce the Northern Territory has to offer.
We’re known for wild-caught seafood, grass-fed beef, free-range chicken and vibrant local produce – cooked with fire, care and creativity.
Our home is the Darwin Waterfront, and our style is contemporary Australian cuisine with a relaxed beachside energy. We’ve been awarded Best Seafood Restaurant NT, and we continue to push ourselves every service.
If you’re an experienced chef who cares deeply about food, about mentoring others, and about showcasing produce at its absolute best, this role is for you.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead a section (larder, or pass) with confidence and skill
- Supervise and train junior chefs and apprentices
- Prepare, season, and cook dishes to the highest standard, showcasing NT produce
- Break down seafood and meat, prepare stocks, jus, and sauces from scratch
- Maintain quality and presentation of dishes at every stage of service
- Plan menus and specials in collaboration with the Head Chef and team
- Place and receive supplier orders, maintain prep levels and par systems
- Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, and workplace standards
- Be proactive, hands-on, and a leader in the kitchen culture
What We’re Looking For
- Strong background in quality restaurants (essential)
- Proven experience at Chef de Partie level or above, be it a qualified chef or someone with great experience.
- Supervisory and training experience (desirable)
- Deep respect for produce and a passion for cooking from scratch
- Calm, composed, and professional under pressure
- A chef / cook, with drive, urgency, and an eye for detail
- Someone who thrives on collaboration and team success
Benefits & Perks
- Work at the beautiful Darwin Waterfront – views and lifestyle included
- Be part of a professional, passionate kitchen team with high standards and strong camaraderie
- Develop your skills with a wide variety of produce and cooking techniques
- Genuine career growth opportunities within our group of restaurants
- A venue open 11.30am–11pm daily, allowing for better work/life balance
- Work in a kitchen where local produce, creativity and professionalism actually matter
Pay: $70,000.00 – $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee mentoring program
- Visa sponsorship
Application Question(s):
- Are you currently located in Darwin?
- If you are on a visa, please confirm what visa, the current work status and dates.
Experience:
Work Authorisation:
Work Location: In person
