About Us
Bird Rock in Jan Juc (Torquay) is a long-established restaurant and bar located in the heart of the Jan Juc village, popular with both locals and visitors to the Surf Coast. It's been a community staple for decades and sits across the road from the Bird Rock lookout and just minutes from the iconic Bells Beach.
The business has recently been acquired by a small local hospitality group, with plans of renovating and revitalising the venue with a focus on warmth, atmosphere, and a Modern Australian cuisine.
The venue will offer a relaxed yet elevated dining experience, centred around seasonal produce, confident technique, and food that feels generous and approachable. The menu balances share-style small plates with well-executed larger dishes, designed for both casual dining and longer, social meals.
This is a genuine opportunity to step into a leadership role at a venue relaunch with real input into how the kitchen operates and evolves.
The Role
We're seeking a Head Chef & Sous Chef to help lead the kitchen through the reopening and beyond.
This role suits either:
1. An experienced Head Chef looking to lead a new chapter
or
2. A strong Sous Chef ready to step into their first head role, with support from ownership
You'll play a key role in building, executing and refining a Modern Australian menu, building kitchen systems, and leading a positive, professional team culture.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead day-to-day kitchen operations from prep to service
* Execute and contribute to the development of a Modern Australian menu
* Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation
* Assist with or manage ordering, inventory, food cost control, and waste
* Train, mentor, and support kitchen staff
* Ensure compliance with food safety and workplace health standards
* Work closely with ownership and management on the direction of the kitchen
* Help foster a calm, organised, and respectful kitchen environment
About You
* Currently working as a Head Chef or experienced Sous Chef
* Strong grounding in produce-driven, Modern Australian cooking
* Confident leading service and managing prep independently
* Organised, reliable, and calm under pressure
* Keen to take ownership and grow with the venue
* Strong communication and team leadership skills
What We Offer
* Competitive salary (aligned to experience and role level)
* Genuine creative input and leadership responsibility
* Supportive, hands-on ownership
* Opportunity to be part of a full venue relaunch
* Healthy approach to work-life balance
* Coastal lifestyle in Jan Juc
How to Apply
To apply, please email your resume and a short cover letter to: ****@agendagroup.com.au