Chef

A popular Italian restaurant and pizzeria is looking for a talented Chef to join their busy kitchen team.

SkillQuest Solutions is recruiting on behalf of our client, a well-established restaurant situated in the heart of Clare Valley, South Australia.

This restaurant and pizzeria offer a contemporary Italian dining experience inspired by traditional family recipes and Italian culinary heritage. With a strong emphasis on fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, the business specialises in handmade pasta, traditional Italian pizzas and a variety of authentic Italian dishes, complemented by an extensive selection of Clare Valley and Italian wines. Offering indoor and alfresco dining in a welcoming, rustic setting, the restaurant is committed to delivering high-quality food, attentive customer service and a memorable dining experience for locals and visitors alike.

Position – Chef

Location – Clare, SA 5453

Salary - $78,000 - $85,000 plus superannuation per annum

Employment Type - Full-time, Permanent

THE ROLE:

Working closely with the kitchen team, you will be responsible for preparing and cooking a variety of traditional and contemporary Italian dishes, including pasta, pizzas and other menu specialities. You will also contribute to menu planning and development, ensure consistent food quality and presentation, manage stock and ingredient requirements, maintain food safety and hygiene standards, and provide guidance and support to other kitchen staff to ensure efficient kitchen operations and smooth service.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

·Supervise and coordinate daily kitchen operations, ensuring meals are prepared efficiently and consistently meet the restaurant's quality standards.

·Plan and develop menu items in consultation with management, incorporating seasonal produce, customer preferences and traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine.

·Estimate food and ingredient requirements, monitor food costs and assist in managing kitchen expenditure to minimise waste and maintain profitability.

·Select and inspect fresh produce and other ingredients, ensuring quality, freshness and suitability for menu preparation.

·Prepare and cook a variety of authentic Italian dishes, including pasta, pizzas and other menu specialities, using appropriate cooking techniques and presentation styles.

·Oversee food preparation and cooking processes, ensuring dishes are prepared according to established recipes, portion sizes and presentation standards.

·Coordinate kitchen workflow and food preparation during busy service periods to ensure meals are delivered efficiently and on time.

·Monitor stock levels, order food supplies and ensure ingredients are correctly stored, labelled and rotated to maintain freshness and minimise wastage.

·Maintain consistent standards of flavour, portioning, presentation and overall food quality across all menu offerings.

·Train, guide and support kitchen staff in food preparation, cooking techniques, presentation standards and kitchen procedures.

·Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, sanitation and workplace health and safety requirements, maintaining a clean, safe and organised kitchen environment.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

·Relevant qualification, such as a Diploma of Hospitality Management - Commercial Cookery (or agreed equivalent).

·Minimum of 1 year of work experience as a Chef in a commercial kitchen environment.

·Experience preparing and cooking traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine, particularly pasta, pizzas and other Italian specialities, will be highly regarded.

·Sound knowledge of Italian cooking methods, food preparation techniques and presentation standards.

·Demonstrated ability to prepare a variety of dishes consistently to a high standard in a busy restaurant environment.

·Strong understanding of food safety, hygiene and safe food-handling practices.

·Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and work efficiently during busy service periods.

·Strong attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining consistent standards of food quality, flavour and presentation.

·Demonstrated ability to lead, supervise and support a kitchen team, fostering a collaborative and efficient working environment.

·A reliable and professional approach, with a genuine passion for Italian cuisine and delivering high-quality food.

·Flexibility to work a rotating roster, including weekdays, evenings and weekends.

· You must have unrestricted working rights to work full time in Australia to be eligible for consideration.

WHAT IS ON OFFER:

·A competitive salary of $78,000 to $85,000 plus superannuation per annum.

·An opportunity to work across a varied menu of traditional and contemporary Italian dishes, showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients.

·A welcoming and supportive kitchen environment where your culinary skills, creativity and passion for Italian cuisine are valued.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you meet the above criteria and are ready for your next career move, we welcome your application.

Apply online through this website and attach your most recent resume.

Whilst SkillQuest Solutions appreciates all applications, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.