Chef

The Sherwood Hotel; Lismore City Council; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff benefits

Competitive remuneration

Job summary

The Sherwood Hotel in Lismore, NSW is seeking an experienced Chef to lead our kitchen team in a full-time role. You will drive culinary excellence, oversee daily kitchen operations, and push creative menus while upholding high standards of quality and safety.

As a seasoned professional, you will mentor staff, manage costs, and collaborate with management to deliver memorable dining experiences for our guests in a dynamic hospitality environment.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and the ability to manage a kitchen team.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene and HACCP principles.
• Experience creating and updating menus based on seasonal ingredients.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare and present dishes to a high standard with consistency across items.
• Manage kitchen operations, including prep, cooking, plating and presentation.
• Maintain strict food safety and hygiene standards in line with regulations.
• Supervise and mentor kitchen staff to ensure smooth operations.
• Monitor food costs, inventory and waste to optimise profitability.
• Collaborate with management to update menus based on feedback and trends.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is properly maintained and safe to operate.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Cooking techniques

Food safety

Menu development

Time management

Communication

Education

Culinary arts certification

Food safety certification

Job description

The Sherwood Hotel is seeking an experienced Chef to join our kitchen team in Lismore, NSW. This is a full-time position where you will take a central role in creating exceptional culinary experiences for our guests. As Chef, you will be responsible for leading our kitchen operations, maintaining our high standards of food quality, and driving our culinary vision. This role offers the opportunity to showcase your creativity and expertise whilst working in a dynamic hospitality environment.

Key responsibilities

Planning, preparing and presenting dishes to a high standard, ensuring consistent quality and presentation across all menu items

Managing kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating and presentation of meals

Maintaining strict food safety and hygiene standards in accordance with food handling regulations and best practices

Supervising and mentoring kitchen staff, providing guidance and support to ensure smooth kitchen operations

Controlling food costs by monitoring stock levels, managing inventory and minimising waste

Collaborating with management to develop and update menus based on seasonal ingredients, guest feedback and culinary trends

Ensuring all kitchen equipment is maintained in good working order and following proper safety protocols

Responding to special dietary requirements and customer requests with professionalism and creativity

What we're looking for

Proven experience as a Chef in a professional kitchen environment, preferably within a hotel or restaurant setting

Strong knowledge of food preparation techniques, cooking methods and culinary practices

Comprehensive understanding of food safety, hygiene regulations and kitchen health and safety standards

Leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop kitchen staff

Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and work effectively under pressure

Creativity and a passion for developing innovative menus and dishes

Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with front-of-house staff and management

Relevant qualifications or certifications in culinary arts or food safety (desirable)

Flexibility to work various shifts, including evenings, weekends and public holidays as required

What we offer

At The Sherwood Hotel, we value our team members and provide a supportive work environment where you can grow professionally. We offer competitive remuneration commensurate with experience, along with the opportunity to work with quality ingredients and modern kitchen facilities. You will be part of a dedicated hospitality team committed to delivering exceptional service and culinary excellence. We also provide staff benefits and encourage a positive workplace culture where your contributions are recognised and appreciated. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace.

About us

The Sherwood Hotel is a well-established hospitality venue in Lismore, NSW, dedicated to providing guests with exceptional service, quality accommodation and outstanding dining experiences. We pride ourselves on our commitment to culinary excellence, warm hospitality and creating memorable experiences for our guests. Our team is passionate about delivering high-quality food and outstanding customer service, and we foster a workplace culture that values collaboration, professionalism and continuous improvement.