Head Chef – Callao Restaurant

Callao Restaurant, a leading waterfront venue, is seeking an experienced, passionate, and hands-on Head Chef to lead our kitchen team in delivering elevated Nikkei cuisine (Japanese Peruvian) in the heart of Sydney’s Barangaroo.

About the Role

This is a rare opportunity to step into a leadership role at one of Sydney’s iconic Barangaroo area. As Head Chef, you’ll be at the helm of a high-performing team, driving culinary excellence from the pass with a strong focus on live-fire cooking, authentic and premium local produce, and bold, refined flavours.

What You’ll Do

• Lead from the kitchen with a hands-on approach, setting the standard in execution and consistency
• Curate and evolve a modern Nikkei menu that honours tradition while showcasing innovation
• Oversee all kitchen operations including rostering, ordering, food and labour cost control, and compliance
• Mentor, train and develop your team to maintain a high-performance culture
• Collaborate with executive leadership and front-of-house to ensure seamless service delivery

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous in a premium dining environment
• Strong background in Japanese or modern Australian cuisine.
• Expertise in cooking with live fuel (charcoal or wood) — essential
• A natural leader who thrives in fast-paced service and fosters team excellence
• Deep understanding of kitchen financials and compliance
• A passion for hospitality and delivering memorable dining experiences

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package + Super + Gratuity + KPI incentive quarterly based on experience
• Opportunity to be part of a respected and growing family-owned hospitality group
• Dining incentive program and group discounts
• Career development within a values-driven company.