Chef

Full-time position | Salary range: $80,000 – $90,000 per annum + superannuation Chef – Job Advertisement Svago Italian Restaurant – Parkside, SA 55 Unley Rd, Parkside SA 5063 About Us Svago is an Italian restaurant in Parkside South Australia inspired by traditional family recipes passed down through generations. Our philosophy embraces the artisan approach to food, handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and dishes prepared with the freshest local ingredients. We take pride in creating authentic Italian flavours that evoke the warmth and simplicity of cooking with Nonna. We seek a fulltime Chef with demonstrated experience in traditional Italian cuisine. Job Summary As a Chef, you will oversee the preparation and production of our a la carte menu while working closely with the management team and guiding the kitchen staff to ensure efficient service and consistently high standards of hygiene, safety, and presentation. The role requires a skilled and passionate Chef with strong attention to detail, confidence, and focus. You must have experience across the pan/grill section, sound knowledge of pasta and grill work, and competency in operating a wood-fired pizza oven. The position suits someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, can work autonomously, performs well under pressure, and contributes positively to a collaborative, energetic kitchen culture. Duties include Plan, direct and manage the preparation, cooking and presentation of menu items to ensure consistent high-quality standards. Prepare, cook and plate a range of a la carte dishes, ensuring flavour, portioning and presentation meet restaurant standards. Prepare or supervise the preparation of special dietary meals and customised dishes as requested by clients. Ensure efficient kitchen operations, maintaining workflow, timeliness and adherence to service standards. Work collaboratively with management to develop strategies supporting quality outcomes, business objectives and profitability. Contribute to menu development, review guest feedback and implement improvements to enhance taste, quality and customer satisfaction. Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, Italian cuisine techniques and emerging food concepts. Create, cost and develop authentic Italian cuisine menu items, including bespoke menus for private and corporate events. Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety, food safety and hygiene standards, and train staff accordingly. Investigate kitchen incidents and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence. Manage ordering, receiving, storage and rotation of stock, ensuring cost control and minimal wastage. Meet food cost targets through portion control, stock management and efficient ingredient use. Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained and arrange repairs when required. Undertake any other reasonable duties required by management or Directors. The incumbent will Lead, develop, manage and motivate kitchen staff. Conduct daily kitchen briefings and, where required, weekly team meetings in the absence of management. Train kitchen staff in required duties, including advanced cooking techniques. Create kitchen rosters in line with wage cost targets. Monitor staffing levels to balance wage costs with high-quality service delivery. Assist with recruitment of kitchen personnel. Conduct staff performance reviews and provide ongoing performance feedback. Provide regular updates to management and/or Directors regarding kitchen staff performance. Conduct staff inductions and foster strong working relationships between front-of-house and kitchen teams. Lead by example and provide direction, support and continuous improvement across kitchen operations. Essential Skills and Qualifications Formal qualifications Certificate IV and above At least two years of demonstrated experience in traditional and authentic Italian cuisine essential The ability to make pasta and pizza dough from scratch is essential. Please forward your resume to *********@svago.com.au. Only shortlisted listed candidates will be contacted. Applications close on the 03 January 2026. #J-18808-Ljbffr