Head Chef

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations at Roches Family Hotel in Grafton, NSW. This is a full-time position offering a unique opportunity to take charge of a dynamic culinary team and establish your mark on our food offering. As Head Chef, you will be responsible for maintaining the highest standards of food quality, safety and presentation whilst creating an inspiring and productive kitchen environment. This role is integral to our success, directly influencing our guests' dining experience and the overall reputation of our establishment.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and execute menus that reflect both our establishment's standards and contemporary culinary trends

• Lead, train and motivate kitchen staff, fostering a collaborative and professional work environment

• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene and health regulations at all times

• Manage food costs and stock control, ensuring efficient use of resources and minimising waste

• Oversee food preparation and plating to ensure consistency and quality across all dishes

• Liaise with management and front-of-house staff to ensure seamless service delivery

• Monitor and maintain kitchen equipment, coordinating repairs and maintenance as needed

• Manage supplier relationships and source quality ingredients within budget constraints

• Implement and uphold kitchen policies and procedures, maintaining compliance with all relevant standards

• Develop creative specials and seasonal menus that enhance our dining offer

What we're looking for

• Minimum 5 years' professional cooking experience, with at least 1 year in a head chef or senior kitchen management role

• Formal culinary qualifications or equivalent demonstrated expertise in food preparation and kitchen management

• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP principles and health and hygiene legislation

• Exceptional leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff

• Creative flair and contemporary culinary knowledge, with the ability to design engaging menus

• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to work under pressure during service

• Proficiency in kitchen management systems and cost control procedures

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across all departments

• First Aid certification is desirable

• Flexibility and adaptability to meet the demands of a hospitality environment

What we offer
At Roches Family Hotel, we value our team members and are committed to creating a supportive and rewarding workplace. We offer competitive remuneration commensurate with your experience and qualifications. You will have the opportunity to lead a talented kitchen team, develop your culinary skills further and take ownership of our food programme. We provide a collaborative working environment where your creativity and expertise are recognised and celebrated. Staff meals are provided during your shifts, and we foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development. We also offer the flexibility to discuss how this role can work best for you.

About us
Roches Family Hotel is a respected hospitality establishment located in Grafton, NSW, known for delivering quality food and exceptional service to our guests. We pride ourselves on maintaining high standards across all aspects of our operation and creating memorable dining experiences. Our commitment to excellence, quality ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere defines our brand. We are seeking a Head Chef who shares our passion for hospitality and will help us continue to build on our reputation as a destination for good food and warm hospitality.

Apply now
If you are an experienced and passionate Head Chef ready to make an impact, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV, references and a brief cover letter outlining your culinary philosophy and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.