Head Chef – Ilex Café & Events
Build something special. Lead with purpose.

This is not just another Head Chef role.

At Ilex Café & Events, we’re looking for a culinary leader who wants to shape a venue, not simply run a kitchen. Someone ready to take creative and commercial ownership of one of the city’s busiest cafés, while producing unforgettable corporate events and weddings for up to 150 guests.

You’ll be trusted, supported, and empowered — backed by a multi award-winning management team and a company with clear, confident plans for growth.

The Opportunity

This role sits at the heart of what we do.

You will:

• Lead the food direction of a high-profile, high-volume café

• Oversee and inspire our in-house bakery team, setting standards and driving creativity

• Design and deliver exceptional in-house events — from polished corporate functions to memorable weddings

• Own your menus from concept to plate, with freedom to create and responsibility to perform

• Control food costs, margins, and labour with confidence and commercial insight

• Build strong kitchen culture through leadership, clarity and consistency

• Work closely with senior leadership on future growth, new ideas and expansion

Who We’re Looking For

You’re someone who:

• Thinks like a Head Chef, not just a cook

• Balances creativity with financial discipline

• Has experience in high-volume cafés, events or premium catering

• Loves mentoring teams and watching people grow

• Wants stability, progression and a long-term home

• Has the ambition to step into multi-site leadership as the business expands

Why Ilex

• A long-term role with a well-resourced, forward-thinking hospitality group

• Genuine creative input and decision-making power

• Support from experienced, award-winning operators

• Clear pathways into multi-site management

• A workplace that values quality, professionalism and people

This is a role for someone who wants to make their mark.
If you’re ready to lead one of the city’s standout café and event kitchens and grow alongside a company with momentum, we’d love to hear from you.

Start your future today.