Job Description
Client Profile
Our client operates a highly regarded boutique hospitality destination located within one of Victoria's premier food and wine regions. Combining boutique accommodation, an award-winning restaurant and a thriving events business, the property has built a strong reputation for delivering exceptional guest experiences across dining, weddings, conferences and leisure travel. With a commitment to quality, personalised service and regional produce, this is an opportunity to join a respected hospitality business with a loyal customer base and strong community presence.
Job Description
Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Head Chef will take ownership of the entire culinary operation, leading restaurant, hotel and event catering services while ensuring consistency, quality and commercial performance across all food offerings.
This is a hands-on leadership position suited to a chef who enjoys variety and thrives in a boutique hotel environment where no two days are the same.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading daily restaurant, breakfast and event catering operations
- Developing seasonal menus across restaurant, wedding and conference offerings
- Managing food cost, purchasing, stock control and supplier relationships
- Overseeing kitchen rostering, labour management and team performance
- Maintaining food safety, compliance and operational standards
- Collaborating with venue leadership to support business objectives and guest satisfaction
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of hotel-based food operations and possess the leadership skills required to manage both restaurant and event catering environments.
Applications are encouraged from experienced Head Chefs or ambitious Sous Chefs ready to step into their first executive leadership role.
You will demonstrate:
- Previous leadership experience within hotels, resorts or accommodation-based hospitality businesses
- Strong menu development, food costing and kitchen management capabilities
- Experience delivering weddings, conferences, banquets or event catering
- Sound understanding of labour management, ordering and inventory control
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple service styles simultaneously
- A practical, hands-on leadership approach that supports team development and operational success
Experience within fine dining environments will be highly regarded; however, the client's priority is identifying a chef with strong hotel and events experience who can confidently oversee the broader culinary operation.
Offer
This opportunity offers the successful candidate:
- Genuine ownership of the culinary direction and food offering
- A diverse operation spanning restaurant, accommodation and events
- Exposure to weddings, conferences and premium guest experiences
- A stable and supportive leadership team
- A well-established venue with a strong regional reputation
- The lifestyle benefits of living and working within one of Victoria's most celebrated food and wine destinations
To learn more about this role, submit your CV or contact Lee Thompson via lee@hastingspeople.com.au for a confidential discussion.
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