Head Chef - LiTO (Italian)

LITO, meaning "light" in Italian, is more than a restaurant; it’s an experience. Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads, our space is designed to shine with warmth and relaxed luxury, offering an all-day dining sanctuary for locals and visitors to come together and relish the essence of Italy with contemporary flair.

Our menu is a testament to the beauty of farm-to-table dining. Picture yourself savouring wood-fired breads, freshly rolled pasta, seasonal antipasti, and indulgent desserts that evoke both nostalgia and delight. Whether it’s a post-surf flat white or a classic aperitif as the sun sets, LITO promises a culinary journey from morning to afternoon and into the evening that’s refreshing and elevated simplicity. 

We are seeking a dynamic, passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary team at LITO.

Main Responsibilities:

• Lead the culinary vision for LITO, creating a menu that reflects Italian traditions with a contemporary twist

• Oversee daily kitchen operations, including food preparation, presentation, and overall quality standards, ensuring smooth and efficient service

• Design and develop creative and seasonal menus that align with the restaurant’s concept and guest preferences

• Maintain strict food hygiene and safety standards, ensuring compliance with all health regulations

• Manage department budgets and keep accurate records of invoices and monthly expenditure, reporting any discrepancies

• Monitor food costs, manage budgets, and identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality

• Manage, train, and inspire a team of chefs and kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment

• Collaborate with the F&B and hotel management teams to align LITO’s dining experience with the overall hotel goals and promotions

Requirements:

• Minimum 5+ years of experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in a high-end Italian restaurant or luxury hotel

• Proven expertise in Italian cooking techniques, ingredients, and traditions

• Experience in menu development, team management and cost control

• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing kitchen teams in a fast-paced, upscale environment

• Passion for creating unique, flavourful dishes that capture the spirit of Italian cuisine

• Must have valid Australian Working Rights

Join our cultural destination as we usher in one of the most exciting, progressive, and forward-thinking luxury lifestyle brands set to make Burleigh its home.