HEAD CHEF – Catseye Pool Club by Josh and Julie Niland

Hamilton Island is looking for a Head Chef that will lead our premier dining outlet, Catseye Pool Club, in our new botique hotel, The Sundays. You will work alonside award-winning chefs Josh andJulie Niland, renowned for their three-hatted Sydney restaurant, Saint Peter. The Nilands will bring their innovative cuulinary vision to Hamilton Island, blending exceptional cuisine with a warm, family-focused dining experience

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

Lead a team of professionals high-profile seafood restaurant with a globally recognised culinary duo

Enjoy the island lifestyle – no commute, reef on your doorstep, and daily tropical inspiration

Benefits from a competitive salary, subsidised accommodation, and staff perks including $16.50/week gym membership, retail/restaurant discounts, and more!

Your Role
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for the entire kitchen operation of Catseye Pool Club, shaping a menu that reflects the Nilands’ ethical seafood philosophy and Hamilton Island’s commitment to culinary excellence. You will manage and mentor a skilled brigade, oversee kitchen financials, and ensure outstanding guest experiences through inspired seafood-forward cuisine.

Where You’ll Make an Impact

Lead a skilled team in delivering consistently high standards of seafood preparation and presentation

Design, execute, and evolve daily and seasonal menus using whole-fish cookery, dry-ageing, and zero-waste principles

Collaborate closely with Josh and Julie Niland and the Hamilton Island Culinary Director

Ensure operational efficiency across food costing, stock control, rostering, and P&L management

Maintain and elevate food safety, hygiene, and compliance practices

Foster a strong team culture built on professionalism, learning, and pride in sustainable food philosophy

What We’re Looking For
You are a highly experienced, innovative, and committed culinary leader with a deep understanding of seafood, sustainability, and modern Australian cuisine. You thrive in dynamic, premium environments and take pride in mentoring high-performing teams.

To Be Successful, You Will Need:

Minimum 5 years’ experience as Head Chef or in a senior leadership role within premium dining

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery (Essential)

Food Safety Supervisor Certificate (Essential)

Advanced seafood knowledge, including filleting, dry-ageing, and ethical fish practices

Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing brigade

Proven financial and operational management skills

Strong planning, communication, and collaboration abilities

Proficiency in Microsoft Office or similar systems

Commitment to culinary excellence, guest experience, and innovation

Your Benefits

Competitive salary package

Subsidised furnished staff accommodation (via salary sacrifice)

Staff discounts on restaurants, tours, retail, and access to a subsidised staff café

$16.50/week gym membership

Career development through Hamilton Island’s diverse culinary portfolio

Unmatched work-life balance in one of Australia’s most beautiful locations

About Hamilton Island
Our mission is to share the wonder of Hamilton Island with the world by creating wonder-filled experiences for our guests, employees and community. Every team member plays a role in shaping those experiences – making Hamilton Island not just a great place to visit, but a great place to work.

Be part of a game-changing seafood experience.

Apply now!