Head Chef – Italian Restaurant | Full Kitchen Leadership Role

Head Chef – Italian Cuisine | Ristorante Papa

Ristorante Papa – Five Dock NSW 2046
Part of the Papa Group
Full Time | Wednesday to Sunday

This is not a “cook under pressure” role — this is a chance to take the reins of a well-established Italian restaurant and truly lead a kitchen your way.

Ristorante Papa is looking for an experienced Head Chef who is ready for autonomy, respect, and the opportunity to run a kitchen with the backing of a strong and successful hospitality group.

If you’re tired of being micromanaged and want a place where your experience is trusted — this is it.

What Makes This Role Different

• You will lead the kitchen, not just work in it
• Genuine autonomy to run service and influence menu direction
• Strong support from the Papa Group, without unnecessary interference
• Established restaurant with loyal customer base
• Opportunity to put your stamp on modern Italian cuisine while respecting tradition

The Role

• Full-time Head Chef position (Wednesday to Sunday)
• Lead all kitchen operations from prep to service
• Maintain and elevate authentic Italian cuisine standards
• Manage and train kitchen team with confidence
• Oversee ordering, stock control, and food costs
• Ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency during service
• Work closely with management while having full ownership of the kitchen

About You

• Proven experience as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef
• Strong background in Italian cuisine (essential)
• Natural leader who can run a kitchen confidently
• Calm, organised, and solutions-focused under pressure
• Passionate about quality food and consistency
• Someone who takes pride in ownership, not just execution

What We Offer

• Real kitchen autonomy — your kitchen, your standards
• Competitive salary (based on experience)
• Consistent Wednesday to Sunday roster
• Supportive but hands-off management style
• Long-term stability within the Papa Group
• A venue with strong reputation and steady trade

Why Join Us?

Ristorante Papa is part of a long-standing Sydney hospitality family built on authenticity, quality, and pride in Italian cooking. We’re not here to overcomplicate things — we’re here to do things properly, and we’re looking for someone who feels the same.

If you’re a Head Chef who wants to lead rather than follow, this is your opportunity. Please send us an email to HRManager@ppapa.com.au