Head Chef / Executive Chef

Hey there! 👋 We’re lyf — a next-generation, experience-led hospitality brand redefining how people live, stay, and connect.

At lyf, it’s not just about a place to sleep. It’s about community, creativity, and shared experiences — where guests can stay, work, play, and connect in one vibrant environment.

Our property, lyf Bondi Junction, is one of Sydney’s most dynamic social-living destinations. With strong occupancy, a growing community of travellers, and a buzzing F&B offering at Bonnibel, we’re now looking for a Head Chef / Executive Chef to take our kitchen and dining experience to the next level.

The Role

This is more than a traditional Head Chef role.

You’ll be leading an experience-led kitchen, shaping how food contributes to the overall lyf vibe — social, energetic, and memorable.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, you’ll work closely with the F&B team and wider property to ensure our dining offering continues to evolve, perform commercially, and stand out in the local market.

What You’ll Own

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team, building a strong, engaged, and high-performing culture
• Elevate and evolve the Bonnibel food offering in line with the lyf brand and guest expectations
• Drive commercial performance(food cost, margins, productivity) while maintaining quality
• Deliver consistent, high-quality food across daily service, events, and activations
• Partner with F&B Service and Sales to grow catering, events, and activation revenue
• Create menus that arefresh, relevant, and operationally smart
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, WHS, and operational standards
• Be present, hands-on, and visible — leading from the front

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Head Chef / Executive Chef in a high-volume, quality-driven environment
• Strong commercial mindset — you understand how kitchens make money, not just great food
• A leader who builds culture, not just manages a roster
• Experience in cafés, hotels, or lifestyle venues with a strong guest focus
• Comfortable working within structured systems & policies, while still bringing creativity
• Hands-on, adaptable, and thrives in a dynamic environment
• Availability to work across a flexible roster (including evenings and weekends)

Why This Role is Different

This isn’t just another kitchen job.

At lyf, you’re part of something bigger — an experience-led ecosystem where food plays a central role in how guests connect, socialise, and remember their stay.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Shape a growing F&B concept within a globally expanding brand
• Be part of a property with strong momentum and clear direction
• Work in a highly collaborative, non-traditional hotel environment
• Contribute to events, activations, and community-driven experiences

What We Offer

• Staff accommodation discounts across 900+ properties globally
• Free coffee (it's a good one), discounted meals, and team perks
• Access to exclusive leave benefits (including Family Special Event Leave)
• A fast-paced, supportive, and fun team environment
• Real opportunity togrow with the lyf brand

Application Guidelines

We’re looking for personality and curiosity — not just a CV.

Please submit:

• A brief cover letter or intro video outlining:

  • Why this role interests you
  • What about lyf and this opportunity stands out
  • How you see yourself contributing to an experience-led environment

• Your current resume with relevant experience

• What  you want out of this role for you