Head Chef

**NEW VENUE OPENING EARLY 2025 IN PERTH - CURRENTLY TAKING APPLICATIONS AND EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST.**

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THE VENUE

Before Byron Bay became a dining destination, there was Light Years. Tucked in an intimate space in the centre of town, the modern Asian restaurant became a fast favourite for its playful approach to hospitality, a modern Asian dining experience that offers delicious share-style food, unique cocktails, and friendly wait staff.

Since it first opened back in 2017, the stalwart of the beach town’s dining scene has become something of a phenomenon, spawning outposts in Noosa, Burleigh Heads and Newcastle. And in late 2022, Light Years Byron Bay packed up and opened its second iteration in a brand new, larger space – an evolved, grown-up version.

Fast forward to 2025, and it’s time for Light Years to spread its flavour powered wings to Western Australia. A prime Perth CBD location, situated within a stylish iconic heritage building on William Street, Light Years Perth will be the biggest (boldest) venture yet. This two-hundred-seater venue will showcase laneway dining, private dining and a stunning centralised bar for a good dose of good-time vibes!

We are ready for YOU to join this exciting opening and embrace a collaborative, fun environment and excellent team culture.

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POSITION SUMMARY
Light Years Perth is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to join our dynamic Back of House Operations Team. Reporting directly to the Executive Chef and Culinary Director, you will play a vital role in the restaurant’s opening, leading the recruitment of our opening team, overseeing kitchen operations, and ensuring exceptional food quality and safety standards. You will need a strong sense of leadership and be able to inspire our culinary team to deliver outstanding dining experiences in a fast-paced environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Kitchen Operations: Manage daily kitchen activities, ensuring all food service meets Light Years’ standards for quality and safety.
• Training & Development: Assist in training and mentoring kitchen staff, ensuring all chefs follow training checklists and operational standards.
• Audits & Compliance: Prepare for regular kitchen audits and maintain accurate checklists for food safety and operational procedures.
• Staff Management: Oversee rostering and wage costs, ensuring the team is adequately trained to cover absences.
• Recruitment: Work closely with the Operations Team to identify staffing needs, participating actively in hiring the opening team. As well as BOH staff and rostering, ensuring efficient staffing during peak and low periods. Additionally, manage staff hiring and team structure to maintain operational effectiveness.
• Food Safety: Ensure compliance with Light Years’ food safety program and uphold OHS standards across all operations.
• Financial Oversight: This role requires a strong skill set, including but not limited to, monitoring food costs and managing COGS and KPIs on a monthly basis, liaising with suppliers to handle pricing changes and optimise profitability, overseeing wastage management to ensure efficiency and cost control.
• Health & Safety: Implement and maintain health and safety procedures, including managing staff compliance and certification, overseeing health and safety training to ensure all team members are well-informed and compliant with relevant regulations. This includes ensuring first aid kits are stocked and handling any incidents appropriately.

TRAINING, STANDARDS & COMMUNICATION:

• Lead by example in providing training and professional development opportunities for all kitchen staff.
• Facilitate regular team meetings to communicate KPIs, events, and promotions, fostering a team-oriented culture.
• Engage positively with all team members, promoting a respectful and collaborative work environment.

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

• Excellent communication and time management skills
• Proven experience in a Head Chef role, preferably within a fast-paced and large volume restaurant environment.
• Strong leadership skills focused on team development and training.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety regulations and kitchen operations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with staff and suppliers.
• Strong understanding of Excel/Google Sheets and rostering programs.
• Experience and understanding of Asian cuisine is essential

If you’re ready to take  culinary career to the next level and be part of a vibrant team at Light Years Asian Diner - Perth, we want to hear from you!

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience.

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