HEAD CHEF – Pool Terrace Restaurant, Reef View Hotel
Hamilton Island is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead the team at Pool Terrace Restaurant, the vibrant, family-friendly dining venue at the Reef View Hotel. Offering modern Australian cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Pool Terrace combines quality food with a relaxed poolside atmosphere and panoramic views over Catseye Beach.
Why you'll love working with us
1. Lead a large, fast-paced kitchen in a high-volume resort restaurant
2. Live footsteps from the beach with no traffic or commute
3. Access a $15/week gym membership and staff discounts island-wide
Your Role
As Head Chef, you'll oversee all kitchen operations at Pool Terrace Restaurant. From high-volume buffet breakfasts to à la carte lunch and dinner service, you'll manage a team of up to 20 chefs, drive menu development, and maintain the high standards of quality and consistency Hamilton Island is known for.
Where you'll make an impact
4. Lead day-to-day operations of a high-volume kitchen
5. Oversee buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner, and in-room dining
6. Design and deliver menus using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients
7. Maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation
8. Train, lead, and inspire a team of 20 chefs and kitchen staff
9. Manage ordering, stock control, food cost, compliance, and safety standards
10. Collaborate with hotel leadership to deliver seamless guest experiences
11. Uphold Hamilton Island's reputation for food excellence across every service
What we're looking for
You're a skilled and motivated culinary leader with a passion for modern Australian cuisine and an eye for consistency and detail. You excel in high-volume service environments, lead by example, and know how to get the best out of your team.
To be successful, you will need:
12. Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent (Essential)
13. Current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (Essential)
14. Minimum 3–5 years' experience in a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef role
15. Experience in 4-star or 5-star hotels, resorts, cruise ships or convention centres
16. Strong team leadership and time management skills
17. Proven experience designing seasonal menus using fresh, local ingredients
18. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, or equivalent software
19. Impeccable grooming and personal presentation
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.
A little island can do wonders – make your next career move one to remember