Executive Chef

ILA is a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the arts, the immersive arts in particular. It establishes for Adelaide a unique immersive light and art venue for the celebration and appreciation of immersive experiences in a space where creativity, technology and hospitality blend to deliver breathtaking and innovative new experiences.  

Located on Light Square amongst Adelaide West End’s cultural quarter, our multifaceted institution is home to a number of unique spaces hidden behind our 150-year-old heritage façade. Profits generated through ILA’s events, hospitality and immersive technologies are invested back to support our mission to create opportunities for artists.  

About Aurora

Aurora Restaurant is a world-class award-winning dining experience within ILA. Featuring a purpose-built wood fired grill, it is guided by the principles of sustainability, culinary-leading excellence and market-leading training. Ever-changing and evolving, Aurora’s menu is a fusion of diverse cuisines, crafted by a talented team. Aurora also provides catering for hundreds of functions and events within ILA each year, from private dinners to corporate events, functions and weddings.

Creating opportunities is at the centre of Aurora’s mission. Aurora aims to be an incubator for the next generation of emerging Chefs and front-of-house service personnel through their commitment to a social sustainability model. 

About the role:

The Board of ILA is looking for an Executive Chef to lead the Aurora team into the future.  We are looking for candidates with an entrepreneurial spirit, a big vision for the future and a willingness to challenge the status quo. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to take that big leap into an organisation who dares to do things differently. We welcome and encourage innovative thinkers.

Whilst Aurora is successful in delivering numerous events, researching and developing exciting ways food can impact the immersive experience and providing a high-quality dining experience in a restaurant like this is a unique opportunity for the Executive Chef to impart their style into our organisation. ILA is open to receiving proposals on how Aurora will look under your stewardship. 

Responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing the entire kitchen operation with a view to achieving the highest possible standards of food production
• Managing all aspects of food delivery within Aurora and at functions throughout our venues
• Overseeing seasonal menu development and production together with the Sous Chefs and Chef de Parties
• Leading, motivating and training the chefs in your team
• Managing the safe use, storage and maintenance of all kitchen equipment
• Strict monitoring of COGS, negotiating with suppliers, providing cost breakdowns to ILA Management as required, and monitoring waste.
• Enforcing WHS and strict food hygiene standards

What you bring to the table:

• A passion for cooking and delivering to the highest exacting standards
• Proven experience as an Executive Chef, Head Chef or similar, in a fast-paced multi-faceted environment
• Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a team, and instil a culture of accountability
• High proficiency in devising and pricing menus, considering global culinary trends
• Excellent communication and administrative skills
• Ability to work calmly under pressure with competing priorities
• Know your numbers – an understanding of financial parameters including food and labour expenses
• High level of commitment to WHS, hygiene and food safety

Why choose us?

At ILA we believe in a culture that embodies our core values of growth mindset, open communication, respect, professionalism and support, leading by example. We provide a stimulating workplace that fosters diversity and inclusion, and we focus on nurturing our employees to set them up for future growth. Well-being is important to us and we offer:

• A friendly, fun, unique work environment
• Staff discounts in our bars and Aurora Restaurant
• Free tickets to performances throughout the venue
• Salary sacrificing available

How to apply:

Ready to embark on this exciting journey with ILA? Applications are accepted via SEEK. Please attach your resume and cover letter summarising your suitability for the role. The application process will also involve an opportunity for you to deliver your vision should you be short listed for this role. 

Queries: contact Antoinette Tyson, ILA General Manager on ******@immersivelightandart.com.au