Head Chef

HEAD CHEF – DEAR DARNELL'S

Witchcliffe, Margaret River Region | Full-Time

GOOD FOOD. GOOD PEOPLE. NO NONSENSE.

We're on the hunt for a talented Head Chef to take the reins of our kitchen at Dear Darnell's!

Tucked away in the heart of Witchcliffe, just south of Margaret River, we're an award-winning neighbourhood restaurant and bar serving up seasonal dishes, wood-fired pizzas, great local wines and plenty of good times.

We're all about honest, flavour-packed food, quality local ingredients and genuine hospitality. No white tablecloths, no unnecessary fuss — just really good food in a unique setting.

Since opening in 2023, we've built a loyal following and a reputation we're pretty proud of. Now we're looking for someone to bring fresh ideas, lead our kitchen crew and help take things to the next level.

THE GIG

We're after a hands-on chef who loves cooking as much as leading a team. Someone creative, organised and passionate about making the most of the incredible produce we have here in the South West.

You'll have real creative freedom to shape our seasonal menu, develop new dishes and put your own stamp on the kitchen.

What you'll be doing:

• Leading, mentoring and getting the best out of our kitchen crew.
• Creating seasonal menus, specials and dishes worth coming back for.
• Championing quality local produce and building relationships with suppliers.
• Keeping food quality, consistency and presentation on point.
• Managing food costs, ordering, stock and kitchen operations.
• Running a smooth, organised kitchen with a positive team culture.

THE KIND OF CHEF WE'RE AFTER

We're not too fussed about fancy titles or where you've worked. It's more about your attitude, experience and what you bring to the table.

• Experienced Head Chef or strong Sous Chef ready for the next step.
• Passionate about seasonal cooking, fresh produce and great flavours.
• Living in Margaret River surrounding (MUST!)
• Confident leading a team and keeping things running smoothly.
• Solid understanding of food costs, labour and kitchen profitability.
• Creative, motivated and not afraid to bring new ideas.
• A good team player with a sense of humour and no unnecessary ego.

THE GOOD STUFF

• 4-day operating week – Open 12-8pm, Thursday to Sunday
• Creative freedom – your ideas, your menus, your opportunity to make an impact.
• Competitive salary – based on experience.
• Award-winning restaurant – an established venue with a loyal following.
• Great local produce – work with some of the best ingredients in the South West.
• Independent ownership – no corporate red tape, just people who genuinely care about good hospitality.
• A solid crew – friendly, supportive people who work hard and have a laugh along the way.
• Margaret River lifestyle – beaches, wineries, surf and a pretty great place to call home.

SOUND LIKE YOUR KIND OF PLACE?

We're looking for someone who wants to stick around, take ownership of the kitchen and be part of something we're genuinely passionate about.

If you love good food, good people and the idea of running a kitchen without all the unnecessary nonsense, we'd love to hear from you.

Send us your CV and a little bit about yourself through SEEK.

Come cook with us.

Dear Darnell's | Witchcliffe, WA