Head Chef

About the role

A career-defining opportunity to create the benchmark for Cantonese dining on the Sunshine Coast.

An exceptional opportunity exists for an experienced Cantonese Head Chef - or an outstanding Senior Sous Chef ready to take the next step - to lead the kitchen of an exciting new classical Cantonese restaurant on the Sunshine Coast.

Our ambition is simple: to create the benchmark Cantonese restaurant on the Sunshine Coast, and ultimately one capable of standing alongside the best in Australia.

Key responsibilities

• Building, leading and developing a strong kitchen team

• Refining and consistently executing a high-quality classical Cantonese menu

• Producing an extensive à la carte dim sum offering

• Traditional Cantonese barbecue, including roast duck and char siu

• Working confidently with fresh fish, shellfish and other seafood

• Delivering excellent traditional fried rice, noodle, vegetable and wok dishes

• Developing and executing banquet and private-function menus

• Maintaining consistency and quality across both dine-in and takeaway

• Managing food costs, stock, wastage and kitchen efficiency

• Maintaining exemplary food safety, cleanliness and operational standards

About you

You will either be an accomplished Cantonese Head Chef or a highly experienced Senior Sous Chef with the ability and ambition to step into your first Head Chef position. You will need to demonstrate genuine, substantial experience in classical Cantonese cuisine, including:

·        Extensive hands-on dim sum experience, including producing your own dumplings using quality commercially purchased wrappers

·        A strong understanding of the style and quality of dim sum associated with good Hong Kong, Melbourne and Sydney Cantonese restaurants

·        Proficiency in traditional Cantonese roast meats, particularly roast duck and char siu

·        Excellent seafood knowledge and execution

·        Strong wok skills

·        Confidence across the broader Cantonese repertoire of rice, noodles, vegetables and traditional dishes

·        The ability to manage volume without compromising quality

·        Ideally, previous experience with banquets and private functions

Just as importantly, you will be a strong leader with an excellent work ethic.

We value a kitchen that is calm, professional, organised and respectful. You will be expected to set that standard and build a team around you that shares it.

About us

An exciting new classical Cantonese restaurant on the Sunshine Coast, occupying an iconic venue currently undergoing a complete transformation. The restaurant will be a substantial 80-100 seat restaurant with takeaway, banquets and private functions, serving approximately 100-150 covers on a typical busy evening. The objective is to establish a restaurant known for serious Cantonese cooking - excellent dim sum, exceptional roast meats, beautiful seafood and properly executed classics - in an environment that respects both the traditions of the cuisine and contemporary Australian hospitality.

Benefits

• Approximately $80,000 - $100,000 gross annual salary

• Performance bonus, to be negotiated with the successful candidate

• Accommodation assistance may be available, depending upon experience and individual or family circumstances

• Initial 12-month contract, with options to renew by mutual agreement and subject to performance

• Employer sponsorship may be considered for an exceptional international candidate where appropriate and legally available