TABLE 1 ESPRESSO WARNERS BAY PTY. LTD, trading as Table 1 Espresso, operates one of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie's most popular esplanade dining destinations, beautifully located at 2/450 The Esplanade, Warners Bay. Renowned for its breathtaking lake views, premium Campos coffee, signature dine-in meals, express takeaway offerings, and a stable, year-round customer base of local patrons and tourism-driven trade, Table 1 Espresso has built its reputation on speed, freshness, culinary excellence, and genuine hospitality. Founded by industry veteran George, who brings world-renowned international hospitality experience, the venue operates a full-service cafe and express takeaway model delivering structured breakfast, lunch, and daily cafe services seven days a week, supported by elevated weekend trade and pronounced seasonal peaks.
Table 1 Espresso is seeking an experienced and driven Chef to join its culinary team at the venue. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to the culinary identity of a well-established, high-volume esplanade dining destination. This full-time position offers a competitive salary within the range of $75,000 to $85,000 per annum, plus superannuation, benchmarked against market salary rates and commensurate with the technical skill, experience, and accountability required to sustain service standards in a premier hospitality operation.
SCOPE OF THE ROLE:
- Lead the team to facilitate the smooth operation of the kitchen in accordance with company standards and Table 1 Espresso's fast-paced cafe environment.
- Oversee the preparation, cooking, and presentation of all culinary offerings, ensuring every dish across our extensive dine-in, express takeaway, and seasonal specials menus is executed to consistently exceptional standards and showcases creativity and quality.
- Execute menu items consistently to standard, ensuring quality, portion control, and timely preparation in line with kitchen expectations.
- Collaborate with the Head Chef to uphold the consistent delivery of service standards across all service periods.
- Accurately forecast, conduct monthly inventories, and manage the ordering and stock control of food supplies to ensure uninterrupted kitchen operations and cost-effective resource utilisation.
- Aid in the oversight of food expenses and waste management through disciplined stock control and yield management.
- Analyse recipes to assign menu item prices based on food, labour, and overhead costs aligned with commercial targets.
- Determine production schedules and staff allocation tailored to Table 1 Espresso’s high-volume esplanade location and peak weekend/seasonal trade.
- Supervise cooks and assist Head Chefs in preparing food and helping other team members when needed during high-volume periods.
- Inspect supplies, equipment, and work areas to ensure conformance to established quality, hygiene, and venue operational benchmarks.
- Train junior staff to uphold the standard of the venue and maintain operational efficiency across all kitchen shifts.
- Regularly demonstrate innovative cooking techniques and modern kitchen equipment usage, keeping the kitchen team aligned with contemporary Australian cafe trends and continuous menu improvements.
- Liaise continuously with front-of-house staff to streamline service delivery and guarantee a synchronized guest experience between kitchen, dining room, and express coffee/takeaway counters.
- Oversee and enforce strict compliance with food safety, sanitation, HACCP, and occupational health and safety (WHS) regulations, ensuring all kitchen operations meet mandatory standards.
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE, YOU SHOULD:
- Hold relevant qualifications — Certificates III & IV in Commercial Cookery from Australia, a Diploma of Hospitality Management, or equivalent is preferred.
- Have at least 2 years of professional work experience as a Chef in a similar cuisine or high-volume cafe environment.
- Be willing to relocate to Warners Bay / Newcastle if currently based interstate or in another city.
- Demonstrate good knowledge of occupational health and safety (WHS), hygiene standards, and HACCP guidelines.
- Demonstrate expertise in contemporary Australian cafe and bistro cuisine with the versatility to execute a broad, complex menu range to a premium standard.
- Bring previous experience working in high-volume, fast-paced hospitality environments with structured breakfast, lunch, and express service workflows.
- Demonstrate a proven ability to perform in fast-paced, operationally demanding environments under pressure, including elevated weekend and seasonal peak trade.
- Possess strong teamwork, communication, and organisational skills with high attention to detail.
- Have full availability across mornings, day shifts, weekends, public holidays, and flexibility aligned with venue operating hours.
- Must hold valid Australian work rights at the time of application.
WHAT YOU'LL GET IN RETURN:
- A competitive salary of $75,000–$85,000 per annum, plus superannuation, negotiated based on experience and commercial responsibility.
- The opportunity to work in a market-leading, iconic esplanade venue with breathtaking Lake Macquarie views.
- A fully resourced, high-volume kitchen environment backed by a passionate, experienced management team and world-class coffee standards (Campos Coffee).
- Genuine career progression and development opportunities within one of Newcastle’s favourite dining groups.
HOW TO JOIN THE TEAM
Please submit an online application to join our diverse, dedicated and community-focused team for a rewarding career at Table 1 Espresso. Australian citizens and permanent residents are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority in accordance with labour market testing requirements and the objective of supporting the domestic workforce. Only successful applicants will be contacted.
TABLE 1 ESPRESSO WARNERS BAY PTY. LTD., trading as Table 1 Espresso, is committed to an Australian-first employment strategy and a recruitment process that is fair, transparent, and strictly merit-based. Applications are assessed solely on skills, qualifications, experience, and role suitability, without regard to personal background.
Only where genuine recruitment efforts confirm that no suitably qualified or experienced local candidates are available will individuals with valid work rights, or those eligible for employer sponsorship, be considered, strictly in line with the Migration Act 1958, Migration Regulations 1994, and current Department of Home Affairs policy. Employer sponsorship is approached as a measure of last resort, reflecting our commitment to workforce integrity, regulatory compliance, and the long-term development of local talent.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $75,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year
Application Question(s):
- If you are a visa holder, provide a subclass and expiry date.
- Do you have a valid skills assessment related to the role? Please provide your skills assessment status.
- Do you have a valid PTE/IELTS? If yes, provide each band score.
Work Location: In person
