About Armani Restaurant
Armani Restaurant is a premium Middle Eastern dining destination in the heart of Parramatta, offering authentic Syrian and Middle Eastern cuisine, exceptional hospitality, and memorable dining experiences. We pride ourselves on quality ingredients, consistency, innovation, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for every guest.
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team, maintain exceptional food standards, and contribute to the continued growth and success of the venue.
Position Summary
The Head Chef is responsible for the overall operation and performance of the kitchen. This includes menu development, food quality, kitchen leadership, staff training, food safety compliance, stock control, labour management, and maintaining profitability while delivering an exceptional dining experience.
The successful candidate will be a hands-on leader who can inspire a team, maintain consistency during busy service periods, and uphold the high standards Armani Restaurant is known for.
Key ResponsibilitiesKitchen Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and manage all kitchen staff.
- Foster a positive, professional, and high-performance kitchen culture.
- Recruit, train, develop, and conduct performance reviews for kitchen employees.
- Manage kitchen rosters in line with business requirements and labour budgets.
- Ensure effective communication between kitchen and front of house teams.
Food Quality & Service
- Maintain exceptional food quality, presentation, and consistency.
- Ensure all meals are prepared and served according to established recipes and standards.
- Oversee food preparation and service during trading hours.
- Monitor portion control and minimise wastage.
- Ensure customer dietary requirements and allergies are handled appropriately.
Menu Development
- Develop and refine menu offerings in line with the restaurant's vision.
- Introduce seasonal dishes and specials.
- Monitor food trends while preserving authentic Middle Eastern and Syrian flavours.
- Work with management to improve profitability through menu engineering.
Food Cost & Inventory Management
- Maintain food cost targets and maximise kitchen profitability.
- Manage purchasing, supplier relationships, and ordering.
- Conduct regular stocktakes and inventory control.
- Reduce waste through effective stock rotation and planning.
- Monitor pricing and negotiate with suppliers where appropriate.
Compliance & Food Safety
- Ensure compliance with all NSW Food Authority regulations.
- Maintain Food Safety Supervisor certification.
- Implement and monitor food safety procedures.
- Ensure kitchen cleanliness and hygiene standards are maintained at all times.
- Manage equipment maintenance and report repair requirements promptly.
- Ensure compliance with WHS policies and procedures.
Financial & Operational Management
- Manage kitchen labour costs and productivity.
- Assist management with budgeting and forecasting.
- Analyse kitchen performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Ensure efficient kitchen operations during peak periods and events.
- Support catering, banquet, and special event functions as required.
Skills & ExperienceEssential
- Minimum 5 years experience in a senior chef position.
- Previous experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
- Strong knowledge of Middle Eastern, Syrian, Lebanese, or Mediterranean cuisine.
- Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
- Strong understanding of food costing and inventory management.
- Current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
- Full Australian working rights.
Desirable
- Experience in high-volume restaurant operations.
- Experience with banquet and function catering.
- Formal culinary qualifications.
- Knowledge of modern menu development and kitchen systems.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Food cost maintained within approved budget.
- Labour cost maintained within approved budget.
- Consistent food quality and presentation standards.
- Compliance with food safety and WHS requirements.
- Successful kitchen staff retention and development.
- Positive customer feedback and review ratings.
- Effective stock control and waste minimisation.
- Smooth execution of restaurant services and functions.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary package.
- Opportunity to lead a respected and growing restaurant.
- Creative input into menu development and kitchen direction.
- Supportive ownership and management team.
- Career growth opportunities.
- Staff meals and employee benefits.
Apply
If you are a passionate culinary leader who takes pride in delivering exceptional food and leading high-performing teams, we would love to hear from you.
Armani Restaurant
Parramatta NSW
Pay: $90,000.00 – $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Free drinks
- Free food
Work Location: In person