Chef Manager

BaptistCare NSW/ACT - Aged Care; Forster; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Salary packaging arrangements

Discounted gym memberships

Novated car leasing

Flexible work arrangements

Job summary

BaptistCare NSW/ACT - Aged Care in Forster NSW is seeking an experienced Chef Manager for a full-time, permanent role. You’ll oversee daily kitchen operations, lead a small team and set the tone for a modern, high‑quality dining experience for residents.

This hands‑on leadership role focuses on fresh ideas, nutrition and safety, working closely with residents and staff to tailor meals that are warm, nourishing and beautifully presented.

Qualifications

• Experience cooking for large groups.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and HACCP principles.
• Confident in leading and supporting a team.
• Ability to cook a wide range of foods while preserving nutrition and flavour.
• Clear communication skills and a warm, customer‑focused approach.
• Previous experience in larger catering operations or large aged care catering.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations.
• Guide a small team and set the dining tone for a modern, high‑quality experience.
• Collaborate with residents and staff to tailor meals and preferences.
• Ensure every meal is prepared safely, nutritiously and well presented.

Skills

Experience cooking for large groups

Food safety

HACCP principles

Team leadership

Nutrition and flavour

Clear communication

Job description

BaptistCare NSW/ACT - Aged Care – Forster NSW

Full time, Permanent

3mo ago , from BaptistCare NSW/ACT - Aged Care

• Full time 76 hours per fortnight Forster based
• Have a fresh, passionate approach to our kitchenand lead with inclusivity
• Bring accountability, creativity and teamwork to a role where your ideas matter
• Shape meaningful dining experiences with compassion and a modern approach to food

At BaptistCare, we believe food is so much more than what’s on a plate. It's comfort, connection, celebration, and often the highlight of someone's day. We're looking for a passionate and experienced Chef Manager who wants to bring heart, creativity and leadership to a role where they can genuinely make a difference in the lives of older Australians.

If you're the kind of chef who believes every meal should be prepared with care, every resident should feel heard, and every team member should feel valued, we'd love to hear from you.

About the role

We’re looking for a Chef Manager who brings energy, creativity and a genuine passion for food. You’ll oversee daily kitchen operations. You will guide a small team and set the tone for a modern, high‑quality dining experience while managing change. You’ll work closely with residents and staff to understand their preferences, introduce fresh ideas and ensure every meal is safe, nutritious and well presented. This is a hands‑on leadership role suited to someone who enjoys shaping a kitchen culture, refining processes and lifting the standard of what great food looks like in a care environment.

This is a salaried role. Remuneration to be discussed

About BaptistCare Kularoo Centre, Forster

Set in the picturesque seaside town of Forster, Kularoo Centre is a well‑established and valuable part of the local community. Located just around the corner from nearby shops and amenities, you will enjoy the best of convenience and nature.

Designed in a country homestead style, the well‑loved centre provides 160 beds catering to all levels of care, including respite, Ageing in Place, dementia, and palliative care.

About the team

You’ll join a supportive, down‑to‑earth team that values collaboration, open communication and a genuine commitment to making life better for the people we serve. We work with flexibility, respect and a shared focus on delivering food and service that feels personal, thoughtful and consistent.

At BaptistCare, we value our employees and foster a positive, inclusive work environment. We offer

• competitive salaries
• tax‑free salary packaging up to $18,550*
• discounted gym memberships
• novated car leasing
• work‑life balance through flexible arrangements and additional leave options
• free counselling, spiritual support and nutrition advice
• learning and development programs, including LinkedIn Learning, and study assistance up to $3,000 per year.

About you

You’re a confident and motivated chef who enjoys leading a team and bringing fresh ideas to the table. You don’t need aged care experience; what matters most is your passion for food, your ability to work with variety and your commitment to delivering a great experience for customers. You bring:

• experience cooking for large groups
• strong knowledge of food safety and HACCP principles
• confidence leading and supporting a team
• the ability to cook a wide range of foods while preserving nutrition and flavour
• clear communication skills and a warm, customer‑focused approach
• a willingness to learn, adapt and contribute to a positive team culturePrevious experience in larger catering operations or large aged care catering

About us

BaptistCare is a leading purpose‑led care organisation, guided by our Christian identity and serving people and communities across Australia for more than 110 years. We support people to live better through aged care, home care, retirement living, community services, disability support and housing. More than 70,000 customers, 12,000 employees and close to 2,000 volunteers are part of our communities across Australia.

BaptistCare – Inspired by Jesus to champion care for all

The closing date is subject to change without notice.

Successful candidates will be subject to background checks including a national criminal history check, reference checks and, if applicable, WWCC, NDIS worker screening and a pre‑employment medical.

Recruitment agencies: This position is managed directly by our Talent Acquisition team. Unsolicited CVs or candidate profiles will not be accepted.