Elephant Café Newport is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional food quality, efficient service, food safety compliance, and strong team leadership while maintaining profitability and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan, develop and update seasonal menus, daily specials, and recipes while maintaining consistency, quality, and profitability.
- Lead, supervise and train kitchen staff, including rostering, performance management, mentoring, and ensuring a positive team culture.
- Oversee all food preparation and service to ensure meals are produced to a consistently high standard and delivered efficiently during service.
- Manage ordering, inventory, supplier relationships, stock rotation, and food cost control while minimising waste.
- Ensure full compliance with Food Safety Standards, HACCP requirements, workplace health and safety regulations, and kitchen hygiene procedures.
- Coordinate daily kitchen operations, including workflow planning, equipment maintenance, and collaboration with front-of-house staff to deliver excellent customer service.
- Monitor kitchen performance, implement operational improvements, control labour and food costs, and maintain high standards of quality and customer satisfaction.
Essential Requirements
- Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent).
- At least 3 years of relevant commercial kitchen experience, including experience in a leadership role.
- Strong knowledge of Australian food safety and hygiene regulations.
- Proven ability to manage food costs, labour costs, and kitchen operations.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced hospitality environment, including weekends and public holidays.
What We Offer
- Full-time permanent position.
- Salary of $75,000–$85,000 plus superannuation ,Depending on experience and what value they bring to the team.
- Supportive team environment.
- Opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- Staff meals and employee discounts.
Pay: $75,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Employee mentoring program
- Free drinks
- Free food
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Visa sponsorship
Work Location: In person
