Job Description
About the Opportunity: Shape the culinary identity of Sorrento's newest hotspot!
Lead a new kitchen team as we gear up to launch an exciting new culinary destination in early 2026. Celebrating the finest regional produce, our flagship restaurant within the stunning Sorrento Searoad Ferries Ferry Terminal will be inspired by coastal Mediterranean flavours. This is your chance to be part of something extraordinary from the very beginning — riding the wave of a vibrant new venue for the Sorrento community!
Our customers will enjoy the best of the Mornington Peninsula — think lazy summer days sipping spritz, soaking up seaside vibes, and indulging in mouth-watering pizzas and coastal cuisine. If you’re a suitably qualified Head Chef, you could be saying farewell to city traffic and hello to scenic drives, water views, and work-life that feels like a holiday every day!
About Us - Don't Just Travel, Be Moved
The Searoad Ferries group of companies is all about connecting people and places through unforgettable tourism and travel experiences. With over 200 dedicated staff, we're proud to operate award-winning transport, tourism, and hospitality services since 1987, including our iconic Queenscliff-Sorrento ferry route and a growing hospitality portfolio.
Our Sorrento Ferry Terminal is getting a major upgrade, and soon it will be home to new food outlets, bars, kiosks, and dining experiences. We're excited to bring quality coastal Mediterranean flair to Sorrento with ONDA—our fresh new restaurant overlooking Port Phillip Bay—and we're looking for a talented Head Chef to lead our team and create menu magic for locals and visitors.
About the Role: Are you a passionate, experienced chef eager to make your mark?
Be part of the launch team for Searoad Ferries' exciting new venture, working in partnership with our experienced Executive Chef in two purpose-built kitchens, you'll bring a brand new team together and lead them to deliver flawless dishes, develop kitchen processes, and keep the good vibes flowing.+
https://www.searoad.com.au/Portals/0/Documents/PD006 E SHG Head Chef 2025 11.pdf?ver=NiniwboiZJqVOTiy86l2pg%3d%3d
What you’ll be doing:
- Leading the team and driving performance
- Menu development and costings
- Tightly managing budgets and costs
- Developing and nurturing key supplier relationships
- Recruiting, training and mentoring team members
- Preparing and presenting dishes to the highest standards
- Ensuring compliance with food safety and hygiene protocols
- Contributing to event planning
- Ordering and checking quality of produce
- Overseeing food prep across multiple settings - from kiosk grab-and-go items, in-house dining dishes, pizza making, outsourced catering, private dining, and large-scale event catering.
About You: To thrive here, you'll need:
- Prior experience as a senior level chef a high-standard culinary setting
- Minimum five years in a fast-paced hospitality hotel, restaurant or large contract catering venue
- Knowledge of Italian, European, and Southern Mediterranean cuisines
- Demonstrated expertise in preparing and cooking a variety of Mediterranean dishes, including pizzas, pastas and small plates
- A level head and strong leadership qualities
- Ability to oversee ordering and quality control of fresh produce
- Certificate Level III in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent)
- A positive, adaptable mindset that shines in a fast-paced, dynamic kitchen
- A passion for fostering a collaborative, upbeat work environment and delivering top-notch customer service
- Strong communication skills and problem-solving mojo
- Understanding of food costings, budgets, and forecasts
- Experience supporting a diverse range of events
- Flexibility to work during peak times, including public holidays and weekends
- Willingness to work breakfast, lunch, and dinner shifts
- Experience in opening a restaurant, strong knowledge of local eateries and a working knowledge of the tourism industry will be highly regarded.
Some of the Perks You'll Enjoy: Here's what awaits you:
- Employee discounts on retail, dining, tours, and free ferry travel
- Access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program for wellbeing support
- A fun, engaging workplace with regular team events and social outings.
Ready to Make Waves?: Dive in and apply, but first please note:
- Availability during summer, festive seasons, is essential
- We anticipate strong interest and will attempt to get back to all applicants but may only contact shortlisted candidates
- Apply through SEEK with your resume and a cover letter telling us why you're perfect for the role
- Review the full position description at searoad.com.au/careers and get your application in early! We may start shortlisting before the closing date of 24 December 2025.
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