Head Chef: Discovery Resorts - Wilpena

About Us

Wilpena Pound Resort is located around 5 hours north of Adelaide, surrounded by sandstone bluffs, native bushland, and star-filled skies. It’s ideal for those looking to escape the city, reconnect with nature, and work with a team that feels like community.

During the season, you’ll experience the excitement of full-house service nights and the satisfaction of leading a kitchen that’s central to the guest experience. Off-season, you’ll enjoy time to refine menus, train staff, and explore the spectacular landscape on your doorstep.

Why work for us

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses available
• Accommodation and meals provided Free of Cost
• Relocation assistance to support your move to the Flinders Ranges
• Seasonal rhythm – enjoy downtime in off-season months to reset, rest, and plan ahead
• Staff recreation facilities on-site (BBQ areas, staff common rooms, bar access, etc.)
• Career development opportunities across 85+ Discovery Parks & Resorts nationwide
• Employee referral program with cash incentives
• Employee discounts at over 300 Discovery Parks & G’day Group locations nationwide
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for free, confidential counselling and wellbeing support

About the Role

As Head Chef, you’ll lead a capable team across all kitchen operations, delivering high-quality, consistent food throughout the resort’s seasonal trade (typically March–November).

During peak season, the resort runs at full capacity, with the restaurant serving up to 165 guests at a time alongside steady café trade and functions. In the quieter months, your focus will shift to menu development, team training, maintenance, and operational planning for the next season.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys both the buzz of service and the satisfaction of building systems, structure, and a cohesive kitchen culture.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading daily kitchen operations across the restaurant, bar, and café
• Managing seasonal staff rosters and mentoring a diverse team
• Creating menus that celebrate local produce and Indigenous influences
• Maintaining tight cost control, stock levels, and supplier relationships
• Ensuring compliance with food safety and OH&S standards
• Collaborating closely with the Resort Manager and F&B leadership team
• Supporting group dining, events, and functions throughout the season
• Driving consistency in quality, presentation, and service delivery

About You

You’re an experienced Head or Senior Sous Chef who thrives in an environment where adaptability, leadership, and calm under pressure are key. You enjoy variety — from designing menus to jumping on the line and you’re comfortable living and working in a remote, close-knit community.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience leading high-volume restaurant or resort kitchens (100+ covers)
• Can manage fluctuating trade in a seasonal business
• Enjoys mentoring and developing a young, diverse team
• Understands cost control, inventory management, and kitchen administration
• Embraces remote living and leads with resilience and positivity
• Holds relevant trade qualifications and food safety certification

*Please note, visa sponsorship is not available with this position.

If you’re ready for a job like no other, APPLY NOW!  

At Wilpena Resort we recognise that we are strengthened by our partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, specifically, with the traditional owners of the land in which we operate. The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under section 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) and section 65 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (SA). 

Before receiving a job offer, candidates must consent to a Federal Police Clearance.

The G’day Group acknowledges the increasing global expectation to demonstrate our approach to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk factors and sustainability in our daily operations and ongoing decision making. Our five-year ESG strategy is evolving to ensure we are committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace, giving back to the communities we operate in, and protecting our environment.