Catering Head Chef / Kitchen Operations Lead
Full-Time | Marrickville, Sydney
Salary: $85,000–$95,000 plus superannuation, depending on experience
Five-day roster: four weekdays and one weekend day
Visa sponsorship may be available for the right candidate
Gusto Catering & Events is looking for an experienced, hands-on Catering Head Chef to oversee the day-to-day operation of our busy production kitchen in Marrickville.
Working under the direction of our Executive Chef, you will lead daily kitchen operations, coordinate catering production and manage the kitchen team. You will ensure every order is prepared accurately, consistently and on time.
This is a hands-on leadership role focused on kitchen operations, production and team management. Menu development and menu writing are not major responsibilities, as our Executive Chef oversees the overall menu direction and our core menus are already established.
The role
Your responsibilities will include:
- Working closely with and reporting to the Executive Chef
- Managing the day-to-day operation of the catering kitchen
- Planning and coordinating daily catering production
- Leading and allocating tasks to chefs, kitchen hands and production staff
- Preparing food and working alongside the team during busy periods
- Ensuring orders are produced accurately, consistently and on schedule
- Reviewing upcoming functions and organising production requirements
- Coordinating preparation for corporate catering, private events and large functions
- Managing stock levels, ordering and food rotation
- Monitoring food costs, portion control and kitchen wastage
- Maintaining food-safety, cleanliness and compliance standards
- Ensuring dietary and allergen requirements are followed correctly
- Assisting with event preparation and attending selected off-site events when required
- Communicating with the events and operations teams to ensure smooth service delivery
About you
We are looking for someone who:
- Has strong experience in catering, functions, events, large-scale production or a high-volume kitchen
- Has worked as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, Production Chef or senior catering chef
- Is comfortable working under the direction of an Executive Chef while taking ownership of daily kitchen operations
- Is highly organised and confident managing multiple orders and deadlines
- Can lead a kitchen team while remaining hands-on
- Understands production planning, portion control, food costs and waste management
- Has excellent attention to detail and takes pride in consistent presentation
- Is confident managing dietary requirements and allergens
- Remains calm and solutions-focused during busy periods
- Is reliable, punctual and willing to take responsibility for the kitchen
- Holds relevant commercial cookery qualifications and current food-safety knowledge
- Has a valid driver’s licence; an RSA would also be beneficial
Roster
This is a full-time, five-day position, generally consisting of:
- Four weekdays
- One weekend day for event preparation or service
Some flexibility will be required depending on the event schedule. This is primarily a daytime production role, although occasional early starts or evening events may be required.
Visa sponsorship
Visa sponsorship may be available for an experienced and suitably qualified candidate who meets the relevant eligibility requirements.
Applicants requiring sponsorship should clearly outline their current visa status, qualifications and Australian work experience when applying.
About Gusto Catering & Events
Gusto Catering & Events is a growing, owner-operated Sydney catering company operating from a large production facility in Marrickville.
We cater for corporate clients, private celebrations, weddings and large-scale events across Sydney. We are looking for an experienced chef who can bring organisation, leadership and consistency to our kitchen as the business continues to grow.
This position would suit a capable senior chef who enjoys leading an organised kitchen and wants the responsibility of managing daily operations, while still having the guidance and support of an experienced Executive Chef.
To apply, please submit your résumé with a short introduction outlining your catering, production-kitchen or event experience. Please also include your current working rights or visa status.
Pay: $85,000.00 – $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Free food
- Gym membership
- Salary packaging
- Visa sponsorship
Education:
- Certificate I - IV (Preferred)
Experience:
- Catering Chef: 3 years (Preferred)
Work Authorisation:
Work Location: In person
