Head Chef

Head Chef (Full-Time)

Rocco Italiano Restaurant

Address: 7A Rockingham Beach Road, Rockingham WA

Salary: $85,000 – $95,000 + Superannuation

About the role
Rocco Italiano is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary team in Rockingham, WA. This is a full-time position where you will take strategic responsibility for all aspects of kitchen operations, menu development, and food preparation. As Head Chef, you will be the driving force behind our kitchen, setting the standards for quality, consistency, and creativity whilst ensuring the highest levels of food safety and hygiene. This role is pivotal to delivering an exceptional dining experience for our guests and maintaining the reputation of our establishment.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, design and develop menus that reflect seasonal ingredients, culinary trends and guest preferences
• Oversee all food preparation, cooking and presentation to ensure dishes meet our quality standards consistently
• Manage kitchen staffing, including recruitment, training, scheduling and performance management
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety regulations, health codes and hygiene standards across all kitchen operations
• Control food costs, manage inventory and minimise waste whilst maintaining profitability
• Liaise with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients and negotiate contracts
• Supervise the preparation of food in accordance with established recipes and culinary techniques
• Mentor and develop junior kitchen staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence
• Ensure kitchen equipment is properly maintained and functioning optimally
• Work collaboratively with management to achieve business objectives and enhance guest satisfaction

What we're looking for

• Minimum 5-7 years' experience as a Head Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership position within a hospitality environment
• Extensive knowledge of food preparation techniques, cooking methods and culinary practices
• Strong understanding of food safety, health and hygiene regulations including HACCP principles
• Proven experience in menu planning and recipe development with the ability to create innovative, appealing dishes
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to motivate, train and manage a kitchen team effectively
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with both kitchen and front-of-house staff
• Proficiency in kitchen management software and stock control systems
• A relevant culinary qualification (Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent) is highly desirable
• Current food handling certificate and knowledge of dietary requirements and allergies
• Passion for quality, creativity and excellence in food preparation

What we offer

At Rocco Italiano, we value our employees and are committed to creating a supportive and rewarding workplace. We offer competitive remuneration commensurate with experience, opportunities for professional development and career progression within the hospitality industry. You will work in a dynamic environment where your culinary expertise is recognised and celebrated. We provide a positive team culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement, alongside the satisfaction of delivering exceptional culinary experiences to our guests.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know.

About us

Rocco Italiano is an Italian restaurant located on the Rockingham Foreshore, specialising in authentic wood-fired Italian pizza. Operating for over a year, the business has established a strong local customer base and offers lunch and dinner service five days per week. We are dedicated to delivering outstanding dining experiences in the Rockingham community. We are committed to excellence in all aspects of our operations, from food quality and presentation to customer service and guest satisfaction. Our establishment is known for its commitment to using quality ingredients, maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety, and creating memorable experiences for our customers. We believe in fostering a supportive team environment where our staff can thrive and develop their skills in a welcoming and professional atmosphere.

Ready to make an impact?

If you are an experienced Head Chef ready to lead our kitchen and create exceptional culinary experiences, we would love to hear from you. Apply now to join the Rocco Italiano team in Rockingham.