Job Overview
Position Overview
We are recruiting for a Head chef who will be driving excellence in all Back of House (BOH) operations for a local Institution, including menu development, food production, kitchen team leadership, compliance, and financial performance. Reporting to the Executive Manager – Hospitality, this role ensures the delivery of exceptional culinary experiences that reflect the organization’s values of Passion, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Empathy .
Working closely with the Food, Beverage & Retail Manager, the Head Chef plays a pivotal role in aligning culinary offerings with strategic business objectives, enhancing guest satisfaction, and maintaining high operational and cost-efficiency standards.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Business Management
- Lead kitchen operations in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and service standards.
- Monitor and manage financial performance, including food and labour costs, stock control, and other BOH expenses.
- Design and implement seasonal and specialty menus that appeal to a diverse customer base, ensuring alignment with cost control targets.
- Track and analyse sales, purchases, cost of goods sold, labour costs, and stock usage.
- Oversee procurement, inventory levels, and wastage minimization strategies.
- Support wider hospitality operations through participation in business initiatives and undertaking additional duties as directed.
Team Leadership & Employee Development
Foster a supportive, collaborative, and high-performing culture across the kitchen team.Model and embed the organisation’s values throughout daily operations and interactions.Conduct regular performance reviews, set KPIs, and identify professional development opportunities.Manage performance concerns in collaboration with the People team, ensuring fairness, consistency, and compliance.Maintain grooming and presentation standards consistent with the organisation’s Dress Code.Workplace Health, Safety & Food Compliance
Oversee and maintain the Food Safety Plan and HACCP Management System to ensure full compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.Ensure adherence to WHS standards, local / state / federal legislation, and industry best practices.Drive WHS accountability across the kitchen team and ensure ongoing staff training.Record and report all incidents accurately, maintaining comprehensive documentation.Perform additional duties to support a safe, compliant, and well-functioning workplace.Qualifications, Experience & Skills
Essential
Certificate in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent qualification).Comprehensive understanding of Food Safety, Food Handling regulations, and HACCP practices.Extensive knowledge of Food & Beverage operations, including conference and banquet services.Demonstrated leadership experience in a senior hospitality or kitchen management role.Proven ability to lead, inspire, and motivate high-performing teams with a positive, solutions-focused approach.Experience in staff development, performance management, and recognition programs.Strong customer service orientation and stakeholder engagement capabilities.Excellent communication, interpersonal, and conflict resolution skills.Strong strategic thinking, initiative, and enthusiasm for innovation.Sound financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.High-level proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).Exceptional organisational, time management, and problem-solving skills.Current, unrestricted Australian Driver’s Licence.Personal Attributes
Passionate about culinary excellence and continuous improvement.Values-driven leader who leads by example.Calm under pressure in a fast-paced, service-driven environment.Proactive, accountable, and commercially aware.Committed to team success and guest satisfaction.