We're looking for a Head Chef to lead the kitchen from the ground up. You'll have full creative input, build your own team, and help shape a menu that's simple, characterful, and full of soul. If you're passionate about food, calm under pressure, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, this is your chance to create something special
About Us
Our newest venture, Bistro Bondi, is a relaxed yet refined European-style bistro in the heart of Bondi — a space where old-world charm meets modern sensibility. The menu will be short, seasonal, and built for sharing: thoughtful, expressive food that’s full of character without being overcomplicated. We’re aiming for a place that feels timeless, effortlessly cool, and unpretentious.
Appetizing Trade is the team behind beloved venues like Lox In A Box. We’ve built a loyal following through quality food, strong branding, and a great sense of community. Now, we're opening our first full-service restaurant and looking for an ambitious, creative, and operationally sharp Head Chef to bring this vision to life.
This is a rare opportunity to build and lead your own kitchen from scratch — from menu development to team culture, sourcing to service standards.
About the Role
As Head Chef, you’ll play a central role in defining the culinary identity of Bistro Bondi. This is a hands-on, full-spectrum role where you’ll lead kitchen operations, drive innovation, and balance creativity with consistency and cost control. You'll work closely with ownership to establish efficient systems and ensure the food offering reflects the venue's vibe: simple, special, and full of soul.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the setup of the kitchen and all back-of-house operations
Design and execute a refined, seasonal, European-inspired menu built for sharing
Source high-quality produce and build relationships with trusted suppliers
Recruit, train, and manage a passionate and efficient kitchen team
Create and maintain kitchen systems — from prep sheets and costings to cleaning schedules and compliance
Manage food costs, supplier invoices, stock control, and wastage
Collaborate with the front-of-house and ownership team to ensure a seamless service experience
Uphold a safe, clean, and high-performing kitchen environment
Foster a positive and respectful kitchen culture that supports growth and accountability
About You:
Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous in a quality-focused venue
Strong leadership and communication skills — you know how to inspire and manage a team
Excellent food knowledge with a love for modern European cuisine and seasonal produce
Comfortable balancing creativity with structure, cost, and consistency
Hands-on and proactive — you love being on the tools and leading by example
Experience with kitchen setup, systems creation, and venue openings is a big plus
Understanding of food safety standards and compliance requirements
Calm under pressure and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
Why Join Us?
Be part of an exciting new venue from day one — and have real creative input
Competitive salary and a chance to build something with longevity
Room for career growth within an expanding hospitality group
Supportive team and open, collaborative culture
Work in Bondi — close to the beach, with a great local crowd
Staff discounts and group perks
