Chef
- Responsible for day-to-day kitchen operations and food preparation.
- Supervise and train kitchen staff to ensure quality and compliance.
- Plan and rotate menus while managing food costs and stock levels.
In the heart of Coober Pedy, Australia’s opal capital, John’s Pizza Bar & Restaurant has been a cornerstone of the local dining scene since 1991. Serving both locals and the steady flow of tourists visiting the region, we are known for authentic pizzas, hearty pastas, grilled meats, seafood dishes, and a diverse à la carte menu delivered in a relaxed outback setting.
With long-standing operations, consistent trade, and a loyal customer base, our kitchen plays a central role in the success of the business. As part of our long-term staffing strategy, we are seeking an experienced and capable Chef to take on a permanent, full-time role within our established kitchen team.
About the Role
This is a senior, hands-on Chef position responsible for the day-to-day running of kitchen operations. The role goes beyond service execution and requires strong leadership, planning, and consistency across all aspects of food preparation and kitchen management. The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining food quality, mentoring staff, and supporting the ongoing success of the business.
Location: 1/24 Hutchison Street, Coober Pedy SA 5723
Salary: $76,000 – $80,000 + Superannuation
Employment type: Full Time
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, cook, and present a broad à la carte menu including woodfired pizzas, pastas, grilled meats, seafood, and daily specials
- Plan and rotate menus, including seasonal updates, while maintaining consistency and quality across all offerings
- Monitor food quality, presentation standards, portion control, and service consistency
- Estimate food and labour costs, manage stock levels, and coordinate ordering with suppliers
- Supervise, train, and support kitchen staff to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with hygiene standards
- Manage kitchen operations during peak periods, including large tour group bookings and high-volume services
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and kitchen safety requirements
- Maintain smooth kitchen coordination, preparation schedules, and service flow
- Contribute to continuous improvement of kitchen systems, procedures, and customer satisfaction
Skills & Experience
- Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent qualification
- Minimum 1-2 years of full-time experience as a Chef in a commercial kitchen
- Proven experience across Italian cuisine and modern Australian menu offerings
- Strong ability to manage a busy, high-volume kitchen environment
- Sound understanding of food safety, hygiene, and kitchen compliance requirements
- Demonstrated leadership and team management capability
- Strong communication skills and a reliable, professional work ethic
- Flexibility to work weekends, public holidays, and split shifts as required
- Willingness to commit long-term to a regional location and permanent role
- Only candidates currently residing in Australia will be shortlisted
Ready to Apply?
If you are an experienced Chef seeking a stable role in a well-established regional restaurant, and you take pride in delivering consistent, high-quality food while leading a kitchen team, we would welcome your application.
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