Head Chef

About the role

The Sunnyside Tavern is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations. This is a full-time position that offers an exciting opportunity to showcase your culinary expertise and leadership skills in a dynamic hospitality environment. As Head Chef, you will be at the forefront of our food service operations, responsible for creating exceptional dining experiences whilst maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and professionalism. This role is pivotal to our success and reputation within the local community.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, develop and oversee all menu offerings, ensuring dishes are innovative, seasonal and align with the hotel's culinary vision

• Lead, mentor and manage a kitchen team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment

• Maintain strict food safety and hygiene standards in compliance with all relevant legislation and industry best practices

• Control food costs and manage kitchen budgets effectively, minimising waste whilst maximising profitability

• Source and select high-quality ingredients from trusted suppliers, maintaining strong vendor relationships

• Prepare and cook meals to the highest standard, demonstrating technical skill and consistency

• Oversee kitchen operations, including stock management, equipment maintenance and staff scheduling

• Collaborate with front-of-house teams to ensure seamless service and exceptional guest satisfaction

• Implement new cooking techniques and stay abreast of culinary trends to continually enhance our offerings

• Train and develop kitchen staff, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth

What we're looking for

• Minimum 5 years' professional kitchen experience, with at least 2 years in a head chef or senior kitchen leadership role

• Formal culinary qualification or equivalent professional training and experience

• Demonstrated expertise in food preparation, cooking techniques and menu development across a range of cuisines

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

• Proven leadership and team management experience with the ability to motivate and develop staff

• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities

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

• Sound understanding of food costs, budgeting and financial management

• Flexibility to work varied shifts, including weekends and public holidays as required in the hospitality industry

• Current food handling and first aid certification or willingness to obtain these qualifications

What we offer

At Rogers Hotel Group, we are committed to supporting our team members and providing a rewarding work environment. We offer competitive remuneration packages, opportunities for professional development and progression within our growing organisation. We recognise the hard work and dedication of our culinary team and provide a supportive workplace culture where your contributions are valued. We also offer staff discounts acros our group of Newcastle & Hunter Valley based hotels and the opportunity to work with a talented team of hospitality professionals.

About us

Rogers Hotel Group is a respected hospitality provider with a strong reputation for delivering exceptional service and experiences. We operate high-quality venues across Newcastle and the Hunter Valley region, each known for their welcoming atmosphere, quality offerings and commitment to guest satisfaction. Our mission is to create memorable experiences for our guests whilst maintaining the highest standards of service and professionalism. We pride ourselves on our team culture, where staff are encouraged to take pride in their work and contribute to our continued success.

Apply now

If you are an experienced Head Chef with a passion for excellence and a commitment to leading a dynamic kitchen team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and any references to our recruitment team.