Head Chef – Paninni’s

About Us

Our elegant setup, with its vibrant and buzzing atmosphere, offers a truly unique dining experience. We take pride in our traditional Italian recipes, including authentic Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas inspired by different regions of Italy. Our menu is complemented by an extensive wine selection and warm, attentive service for our wonderful guests.

The Opportunity

Paninni’s is currently seeking an experienced Head Chef to join our team. This is a hands-on leadership role that comes with significant responsibility, a highly competitive salary with bonuses, and the opportunity to work within a supportive and passionate team culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen, designing menus and specials that showcase quality, consistency, and presentation while reflecting authentic Italian culinary traditions and customer preferences.

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including section assignments, workflow, and overall kitchen management.

• Recruit, train, roster, and mentor team members to deliver excellence, uphold culture, and maintain accountability.

• Manage ordering and supplier relationships while controlling food costs and minimising wastage.

• Ensure hygiene, safety, and health standards are consistently met and maintained.

• Oversee care, maintenance, and compliance of kitchen equipment.

• Manage budgets, costs, and margins to support the profitability of the business.

What You Bring

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Italian cuisine, including hand-stretching pizzas and operating wood-fired ovens.

• Full working rights in Australia.

• A calm, professional, and accountable approach to leadership.

• Strong communication skills and proficiency in basic reporting and kitchen management systems.

• Exceptional attention to detail and a willingness to go the extra mile.

• A team- and customer-focused mindset.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.

• Supportive ownership and a positive, enjoyable work culture.

• A 5-day working week with flexibility for work-life balance.

• Opportunities for personal and professional growth and career development.