Overview$98,000 – $105,000 per year + superannuationHEAD CHEF - Iconic Catseye Pool Club, Hamilton IslandGuided by the culinary vision of acclaimed chef Josh NilandHamilton Island is looking for a Head Chef to lead our premier dining outlet, Catseye Pool Club, in our new boutique hotel, The Sundays.
You will work alongside award-winning chefs Josh and Julie Niland, renowned for their three-hatted Sydney restaurant, Saint Peter.
The Nilands will bring their innovative culinary vision to Hamilton Island, blending exceptional cuisine with a warm, family-focused dining experience.
Location: Hamilton Island, Australia
Role: Head Chef, Catseye Pool Club
Reporting to: Hamilton Island Culinary Director
Why You'll Love Working With Us
Lead a team in a high-profile seafood restaurant with a globally recognised culinary duo
Enjoy the island lifestyle – no commute, reef on your doorstep, daily tropical inspiration
Competitive salary, subsidised accommodation, and staff perks including gym membership, discounts, and more
Your Role
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the entire kitchen operation of Catseye Pool Club, shaping a menu that reflects the Nilands' ethical seafood philosophy and Hamilton Island's commitment to culinary excellence.
You will manage and mentor a skilled brigade, oversee kitchen financials, and ensure outstanding guest experiences through inspired seafood-forward cuisine.
Where You'll Make an Impact
Lead a skilled team in delivering consistently high standards of seafood preparation and presentation
Design, execute, and evolve daily and seasonal menus using whole-fish cookery, dry-ageing, and zero-waste principles
Collaborate closely with Josh and Julie Niland and the Hamilton Island Culinary Director
Ensure operational efficiency across food costing, stock control, rostering, and P&L; management
Maintain and elevate food safety, hygiene, and compliance practices
Foster a strong team culture built on professionalism, learning, and pride in sustainable food philosophy
What We're Looking For
You are a highly experienced, cutting-edge, and committed culinary leader with a deep understanding of seafood, sustainability, and modern Australian cuisine.
You thrive in dynamic, premium environments and take pride in mentoring high-performing teams.
To Be Successful, You Will Need
Minimum 5 years' experience as Head Chef or in a senior leadership role within premium dining
Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (Essential)
Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (Essential)
Advanced seafood knowledge, including filleting, dry-ageing, and ethical fish practices
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing brigade
Proven financial and operational management skills
Strong planning, communication, and collaboration abilities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office or similar systems
Commitment to culinary excellence, guest experience, and innovation
Competitive salary package
Subsidised furnished staff accommodation (via salary sacrifice)
Staff discounts on restaurants, tours, retail, and access to a subsidised staff café
Career development through Hamilton Island's diverse culinary portfolio
Unmatched work-life balance in one of Australia's most beautiful locations
About Hamilton Island
Our mission is to share the wonder of Hamilton Island with the world by creating wonder-filled experiences for our guests, employees and community.
Every team member plays a role in shaping those experiences – making Hamilton Island not just a great place to visit, but a great place to work.
Apply now!
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📌 Head Chef - Catseye Pool Club
🏢 Hamilton Island Enterprises
📍 Melbourne