Job Description
Client Profile
Our client is a leading Australian hospitality group with an impressive portfolio spanning restaurants, cafés, events and major cultural and institutional venues. An exciting new dining concept is set to open within a landmark Canberra destination, creating an opportunity for an accomplished culinary leader to take ownership of the kitchen from its opening phase and establish a strong reputation for quality, consistency and memorable hospitality.
Job Description
As Head Chef, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day culinary operation of this exciting new venue. Working closely with senior culinary leadership and key stakeholders, you will bring a contemporary, produce-driven food philosophy to life while building a capable and engaged kitchen team.
Beyond daily café operations, the position will play an important role in delivering an extensive events and functions program. You will have the autonomy to lead the kitchen while maintaining strong commercial, operational and compliance standards.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead all kitchen operations, maintaining exceptional standards across food quality, consistency, presentation and service
- Recruit, roster, mentor and develop a high-performing culinary team with a positive and accountable culture
- Plan and execute functions and events, from menu development and staffing through to successful on-the-day delivery
- Manage food and labour costs, procurement, budgets and operational performance without compromising quality
- Maintain rigorous food safety, HACCP, WHS and broader compliance standards while driving continuous improvement
Candidate Profile
This opportunity will suit an experienced Head Chef or an accomplished Senior Sous Chef ready to take the next step. You will be a confident, hands-on leader who enjoys building teams and taking genuine ownership of an operation.
A passion for seasonal, produce-led cooking is essential, as is the ability to balance creativity with commercial discipline. Experience across events, functions or multi-faceted hospitality environments will be highly regarded.
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Proven leadership experience within a quality restaurant, café, events or high-volume hospitality environment
- Strong culinary capability with a genuine appreciation for seasonal, produce-focused food
- Experience planning and delivering functions or events alongside regular venue operations
- Excellent people leadership skills with the ability to recruit, train, motivate and retain a strong team
- Sound commercial acumen across budgeting, food and labour costs, procurement and kitchen performance
Offer
This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a significant new hospitality operation from its opening phase. The successful candidate will join an established national hospitality organisation while enjoying considerable autonomy at venue level, supported by experienced senior culinary leadership.
A competitive salary package, comprehensive induction, ongoing professional development, employee benefits and genuine career progression opportunities are available.
To learn more about this role, submit your CV or contact Lee via lee@hastingspeople.com.au for a confidential discussion.
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