Head Chef – Pino's Trattoria, Phillip Island
About Us
Since 1991, Pino's Trattoria has been the heart of Phillip Island's dining scene – a beloved Italian restaurant with a proud 30+ year history. Known for our authentic Italian cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and loyal local and international following, we have built a reputation on quality, family values, and a strong team culture.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to LEAD our well-established kitchen team. This is a hands-on leadership role in a high-volume, fast-paced environment, suited to someone who thrives under pressure, has a genuine love for Italian food, and is looking for long-term stability with an owner-operated business.
What We're Looking For
The ideal candidate will bring both their technical skill set, innovation, creativity and leadership qualities. You will be responsible for delivering consistency, quality, and efficiency across all aspects of the kitchen while inspiring & engaging your team.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with ownership on menu design and development with authentic yet modern Italian dishes
- Lead, train, and motivate a diverse team of chefs in a high-volume setting (200+ seats)
- Ensure consistency and quality of dishes during busy service periods
- Manage and maintain food safety plans, OH&S; standards, and compliance documentation
- Hold valid Food Safety Supervisor certification to oversee all food safety compliance requirements
- Oversee ordering, stock control, rostering (Deputy), and supplier relationships
- Monitor and manage COGs, food & labour costs, and kitchen budgets
- Deliver outstanding time management across preparation and service
- Maintain a calm, composed, and professional presence in the kitchen
What You'll Bring
- Minimum 5+ years of Head Chef experience in a professional kitchen environment
- Strong knowledge of Italian cuisine with the ability to balance tradition and creativity
- Extensive expertise in Italian cuisine and culinary traditions
- Excellent stove/pan experience and confidence in high-volume service
- Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills
- A systems-driven mindset with high attention to detail
- Ability to thrive under pressure while remaining positive and supportive
What We Offer
- Full-time, long-term role with flexible roster including weekends, evenings, and public holidays
- A supportive, family-owned workplace that values respect, culture, and collaboration
- The chance to make your mark on one of Victoria's most iconic Italian restaurants
Join Our Team
This is a rare opportunity to step into a respected, long-standing role and become part of the Pino's story. If you're ready to bring your passion for Italian food and leadership to our team, we'd love to hear from you.
Find out more:
@pinosphillipisland
Additional Information
Please Note: To be successful, you'll be flexible to work across a 7-day rotating roster including weekends, late nights and Public Holidays.
We are committed to equal employment opportunities and a diverse workplace. Only suitable applicants will be contacted. We are ideally looking for employees with full working rights in Australia (Where there are no suitable Australian citizens or residents with work rights, the position is open to non-citizens seeking sponsorship).
Australian work rights are preferred, however sponsorship opportunities are available for exceptional candidates.
Important: When submitting your application, please ensure you upload a copy of your Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
Notes
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Salary match | Number of applicants | Skills match
Application Questions
Your application will include the following questions:
- Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
- How many years' experience do you have as a Head Chef?
- Which of the following culinary arts qualifications have you obtained?
- Do you hold a current Food Safety Supervisor certificate?
- Which of the following cuisine types do you have experience with?
- Have you worked in a role where you were responsible for stock control?
- Do you have experience preparing work rosters?
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