Head Chef The Bosun Tavern

Head Chef Swell Lodge Christmas Island $35 – $40 per hour full-time remote

The Bosun Tavern is seeking an experienced, creative, and resourceful Head Chef to lead its kitchen team on Christmas Island. The tavern is developing a fast-paced, elevated menu with Italian and European influences, focusing on well-prepared food.

This position is suitable for a chef who is confident leading a busy kitchen, enjoys menu development, and can adapt to the unique demands of island hospitality, including variable supply chains and seasonal availability. Chefs with an interest in working with local ingredients, island produce, and fresh seafood will be viewed favourably. The ideal candidate is flexible, calm under pressure, practical, and excited by the challenge of creating excellent food in a remote island setting.

About the Role

The role involves leading the tavern kitchen on an ongoing basis, collaborating with the owners and kitchen team to develop and deliver a strong, consistent menu. You will also work with other venues within the group: Swell Lodge, a luxury all-inclusive lodge, and The Island Pantry, a small, busy coffee shop and providore.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone with previous experience managing or owning venues, leading kitchen teams, developing menus, controlling costs, and maintaining consistency in a fast-paced environment.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has strong experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, or senior kitchen leader.
• Has previous experience managing or owning a venue, or leading kitchen operations.
• Can create practical, delicious, and profitable menus.
• Is confident working with supply chain limitations and changing availability.
• Is creative, flexible, and resourceful.
• Has an interest in local ingredients, seafood, and island-style hospitality.
• Can lead, train, and support a kitchen team.
• Works well with owners, management, and other venue teams.
• Can maintain high standards of food quality, consistency, and cleanliness.
• Is ready for an immediate start.

What We Offer

• Above award salary.
• Accommodation provided.
• Immediate start.
• Opportunity to lead and shape the menu at an established island tavern.
• A unique lifestyle opportunity on Christmas Island.
• The chance to work across a growing hospitality group, including The Bosun Tavern, Swell Lodge, and The Island Pantry.

This is a rare opportunity for a capable and creative chef to take ownership of a tavern kitchen and contribute to the evolution of food on Christmas Island.

To Apply

Please send your resume and a brief introduction outlining your experience and availability.