About the role

We are seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen at KOAS, our exciting new venue opening in Karratha, WA. Created by the owners of Soak in Dampier, an established and award-winning Pilbara hospitality business operating since 2018, KOAS is an opportunity to be part of something from the very beginning.

As Head Chef, you will play a key role in shaping the food offering, building and developing the kitchen team, and establishing the standards and culture of the new venue. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who takes pride in great food, solid systems and developing a kitchen team that works well together.

You’ll have genuine ownership of the kitchen, working closely with the owners and management team to deliver consistently high standards while keeping food costs, labour and overall kitchen performance on track.

Key responsibilities

- Lead the day-to-day operation of the KOAS kitchen
- Develop and execute menus that suit the venue, our customers and the local market
- Lead, train and mentor chefs, cooks and kitchen team members
- Build a positive kitchen culture based on accountability, communication and teamwork
- Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and service
- Manage food costs, ordering, stock control, wastage and kitchen profitability
- Ensure preparation and production systems are efficient and well organised
- Maintain excellent food safety, hygiene and workplace standards
- Work closely with the venue management and front-of-house teams
- Respond to customer feedback and continually look for ways to improve the food offering
- Manage kitchen equipment, maintenance and operational requirements
- Support the ongoing training and development of the kitchen team

What we're looking for

- Proven experience as a Head Chef or in a senior kitchen leadership role
- Strong menu development, food costing and kitchen management skills
- A solid understanding of food costs, labour management and kitchen profitability
- Solid leadership skills with the ability to train,



mentor and develop a team
- Excellent organisational skills and the ability to operate calmly in a busy environment
- High standards when it comes to food quality, presentation and consistency
- Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and HACCP principles
- Good communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with both kitchen and front-of-house teams
- Relevant hospitality or culinary qualifications are preferred
- Food Safety Supervisor certification, or willingness to obtain it

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who genuinely enjoys leading a team and wants to help create a kitchen people are proud to be part of.

What we offer

- $100,000–$130,000 per year base + profit-based KPI bonus
- Full-time permanent position
- Accommodation Support
- The opportunity to open and shape a brand-new venue
- Genuine input into menus, kitchen systems and team development
- Support from experienced hospitality owners and management
- Professional development and training opportunities
- Staff discounts and meal benefits
- A roster structure designed to support a sustainable work-life balance
- The opportunity to grow with an expanding Pilbara hospitality business

About us

KOAS is being created by the owners of Soak in Dampier, an established and award-winning Pilbara hospitality business operating since 2018. We understand the realities of working in hospitality and the importance of giving our leaders the trust, systems and support they need to perform.

Our goal is to build a workplace where high standards, accountability and creativity can exist without the unnecessary ego often found in commercial kitchens.

We are continuing to grow in the Pilbara, but our focus remains straightforward: great hospitality, great people and venues our local communities can be proud of.

Apply now

If you're excited by the idea of opening a new venue, building a kitchen culture from the ground up and creating food that Karratha can be proud of, we'd love to hear from you. Please apply with your resume and a short cover letter telling us a little about yourself, your experience and why KOAS interests you.

📌 Head Chef (Karratha)
🏢 Northwest Hospitality
📍 Karratha