Executive Chef

Executive Chef – Opening Team | Miss Misaki

Based in Cairns | Full Time

Help create Cairns' most exciting new Pan-Asian restaurant.

Miss Misaki is a bold, contemporary Pan-Asian dining concept inspired by the flavours and energy of Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

We're looking for an experienced Executive Chef based in Cairns to join us in bringing this vision to life.

This isn't just another chef position. It's an opportunity to help create a restaurant from the ground up—developing the menu, refining recipes, sourcing products and helping build a kitchen that guests will talk about.

About the Role

Working closely with the owners, you'll play a key role in shaping the Miss Misaki concept before opening, then leading the kitchen team to deliver exceptional food every service.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and refining our Pan-Asian menu.
• Creating signature dishes that are fresh, modern and full of flavour.
• Costing recipes and achieving food cost targets.
• Sourcing quality suppliers and premium ingredients.
• Recruiting, training and leading the kitchen team.
• Establishing kitchen systems, procedures and standards.
• Maintaining exceptional food presentation and consistency.
• Managing stock, ordering and labour costs.
• Ensuring all food safety and HACCP requirements are met.
• Continuously evolving the menu with seasonal specials and new ideas.

We're Looking For Someone Who

• Has extensive experience in modern Pan-Asian cuisine.
• Is passionate about Japanese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and Southeast Asian flavours.
• Has a creative approach to menu development.
• Understands restaurant profitability, food costing and kitchen management.
• Leads with professionalism, positivity and high standards.
• Thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment.
• Takes pride in mentoring and developing a strong kitchen team.

Highly Regarded

• Experience opening new restaurants.
• Robata grill experience.
• Sushi and sashimi knowledge.
• Fine dining or premium casual dining experience.
• Existing supplier relationships within Queensland.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package.
• Opportunity to help create a standout restaurant from day one.
• Significant creative input into the menu and concept.
• A supportive ownership team that values innovation and collaboration.
• Long-term career opportunities within a growing hospitality group.

If you're an experienced chef with a passion for modern Asian cuisine and want the opportunity to build something exceptional, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now with your resume, a brief cover letter and photos of your food or examples of menus you've helped create.

Pay: $65,000.00 – $141,015.43 per year

Work Location: In person