Chef

The Charles Boutique Hotel and Dining; Wagga Wagga City Council; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts

Flexible rostering

Training & development

Job summary

The Charles Boutique Hotel and Dining in Wagga Wagga, NSW is seeking a driven Chef to join our culinary team on a full-time basis. You will lead kitchen operations, create exceptional dining experiences and mentor junior staff in a boutique hotel setting.

We emphasise local produce, innovation and quality, with opportunities for menu development and In-Room Dining excellence. Flexible rostering and staff discounts are part of our offer.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary training or equivalent practical experience in a professional kitchen.
• Proven experience as a Chef or Senior Cook in hotel/restaurant or fine dining.
• Knowledge of food safety, hygiene and safe handling practices.
• Ability to lead and mentor kitchen staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a diverse range of dishes to high standards across service periods.
• Develop and execute creative seasonal menus using local produce.
• Manage food preparation areas with strict health and safety adherence.
• Supervise kitchen staff and guide cooking techniques and presentation.
• Control costs through inventory, portions and waste minimisation.
• Source ingredients from local producers and maintain supplier relationships.
• Ensure dishes are plated to established standards and specifications.
• Respond to feedback and adapt menus to preferences and dietary needs.
• Maintain a clean, organised and efficient kitchen environment.
• Contribute to new dish development and menu planning with management.

Skills

Proven Chef experience

Food safety knowledge

Leadership

Teamwork

Creativity

Attention to detail

Education

Formal culinary training or equivalent practical experience

Job description

The Charles Boutique Hotel and Dining - Wagga Wagga NSW

The Charles Boutique Hotel and Dining is seeking a driven, organised and passionate Chef to join our culinary team on a full-time basis in Wagga Wagga, NSW. As Chef, you will be at the heart of our food service operations, responsible for creating exceptional dining experiences that reflect our commitment to quality, innovation and culinary excellence.

This is a pivotal role within our business, which consists of a our Modern Australian Cuisine led Dining Room, 50 room Boutique Hotel accommodation offering and a Courtyard Coffee & Wine Bar, with a diverse clientele of travelling guests and discerning locals.

You will be supported by a team of highly experienced FOH and marketing staff, with a strong focus on innovation, locally sourced produce whilst still remaining true to the classic Dining Room experience, as well as delivering world-class In-Room Dining for our guests.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a Chef who wants to make their mark at a higher level and embrace an experience-led approach with a small but dynamic team around you, where teamwork, planning & preparation ensure you are set up for success. The Charles is a family-owned and run business, established for nearly 40 years - with a hallmark of our success being the core principle that our staff are given the tools to take ownership of their responsibilities and to respond to challenges with solutions.

We are willing to sponsor the right team member, with preference given to candidates who are based in Australia but may require sponsorship in the immediate future. Candidates based overseas will be considered.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and cook a diverse range of dishes to the highest standards, ensuring consistency and quality across all service periods
• Develop and execute creative seasonal menus that reflect our dining philosophy and showcase local produce
• Manage food preparation areas, maintaining strict adherence to health and safety regulations and food hygiene standards
• Supervise and mentor kitchen staff, providing guidance on cooking techniques, food presentation and operational procedures
• Control food costs through careful inventory management, portion control and minimisation of waste
• Liaise with suppliers to source premium ingredients and maintain relationships with local producers
• Ensure all dishes are plated and presented according to established standards and specifications
• Respond to customer feedback and adapt menu offerings to meet dining preferences and dietary requirements
• Maintain a clean, organised and efficient kitchen environment at all times
• Contribute to the development of new dishes and participate in menu planning discussions with management

What we're looking for

• Formal culinary training or equivalent practical experience in a professional kitchen environment
• Proven experience as a Chef or Senior Cook in a hotel, restaurant or fine dining establishment
• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards and safe food handling practices
• Proficiency in a wide range of cooking techniques and cuisines
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet service deadlines consistently
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Leadership experience and the ability to motivate and support junior kitchen staff
• Creative flair with the ability to develop innovative dishes and contribute to menu design
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of food quality and presentation
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and public holidays as required by the hospitality sector
• Current Food Safety Supervisor certification or willingness to obtain one
• Experience working in boutique or fine dining settings is highly desirable

What we offer

The Charles Boutique Hotel and Dining is committed to creating a supportive and rewarding work environment where culinary professionals can thrive. We offer competitive remuneration commensurate with experience, opportunities for continuous professional development and the chance to work with quality ingredients and modern kitchen facilities. Our team-oriented culture celebrates creativity and innovation, providing you with the platform to develop your culinary skills and potentially advance your career within our growing hospitality business. We recognise the importance of work-life balance and offer flexible rostering where possible, alongside staff discounts and access to ongoing training and development opportunities.

About us

The Charles Boutique Hotel and Dining is a mainstay of the Riverina's culinary scene, and a Wagga Wagga landmark, dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality and culinary experiences. We pride ourselves on our commitment to quality, our focus on creating memorable dining moments for our guests, and our passion for showcasing the best of local produce and talent. Our boutique approach means we maintain high standards across all aspects of our service, from our carefully curated accommodation to our thoughtfully designed dining experiences. We are an employer who values our team members and invests in creating a workplace where hospitality professionals can deliver their best work and take pride in their contributions.