Santini's Restaurant and Bar – Hervey Bay QLD
Santini's Restaurant & Bar is seeking an experienced and disciplined Head Chef to lead our kitchen and uphold the culinary standards of one of Hervey Bay's established dining venues.
The role requires a chef capable of running a high volume kitchen with consistency while leading a team across all departments. A key expectation is strong command of the pans section, executing mains to standard every service while ensuring all other sections meet performance and quality requirements.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead, train and develop the kitchen team to maintain high performance and strong culture.
* Take primary responsibility for the pans section, ensuring consistency and quality in all mains.
* Oversee the performance of all kitchen departments to maintain workflow, timing and standards.
* Manage daily kitchen operations including prep systems, service execution and workflow optimisation.
* Develop seasonal menus, specials and recipes aligned with the venue's identity.
* Ensure quality control of all dishes leaving the pass.
* Manage stock control, ordering, costings and supplier relationships.
* Maintain compliance with food safety, hygiene and OH&S regulations.
* Oversee labour cost management, roster structures and budget control.
* Work collaboratively with management on menu development, events and planning.
* Maintain a clean, organised, efficient kitchen environment.
* Ensure equipment remains functional and correctly maintained.
Skills & Experience
* Minimum 2 years in a Head Chef or Sous Chef leadership role.
* Strong ability to run a pans section with consistent output.
* Ability to manage multiple departments simultaneously.
* Experience in Italian/Mediterranean cuisine is essential for this role.
* Strong communication and team leadership capability.
* Experience with ordering, stock systems, budgeting and rostering.
* Strong understanding of food safety requirements.
* High level of organisation, consistency and attention to detail.
* Creativity combined with disciplined execution.
Why Join Santini's?
* Creative control and real influence over menu direction and kitchen standards.
* Work in Hervey Bay with strong lifestyle appeal and coastal views.
* Balanced roster structure supporting achievable work life alignment.
* Competitive salary package.
* Australian work rights are preferred, however sponsorship is available for exceptional candidates.
If you are passionate about serving exceptional, high quality food and would like to be part of a growing team apply now with a brief cover letter and CV.
All applications, discussions and communication will be completely confidential.
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