Executive Chef

Catering Project; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount

Career progression

Diverse projects

Job summary

Catering Project in Glebe, NSW is seeking an Executive Chef to lead our culinary operations full-time. You will oversee kitchen activities, ensure top food quality and safety, and develop menus in collaboration with the Group Executive Chef.

This role focuses on driving excellence, client satisfaction and profitability for our catering business. We are looking for a seasoned professional with strong leadership, menu creativity and rigorous cost control to elevate dining experiences for our

Qualifications

• Formal culinary qualification or recognised apprenticeship.
• 8+ years in professional kitchens with 3–5 years in leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP and hygiene regulations.
• Proven ability to lead and develop kitchen teams.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design and execute menus reflecting trends and client specs.
• Oversee kitchen operations including food prep, plating and presentation.
• Manage staff and labour budgets through supervision and training.
• Maintain high standards of food safety and sanitation.
• Control food costs and manage inventory, purchasing and supplier relations.
• Review and implement quality control procedures for consistency.

Skills

Leadership experience

Menu planning

Food safety knowledge

Quality control

Budgeting

Staff development

Education

Formal culinary qualification or recognised apprenticeship

Job description

We are seeking an Executive Chef to join Catering Project in Glebe, NSW. This is a full-time position that offers a fantastic opportunity to lead our culinary operations and drive excellence across all aspects of food preparation and menu development in conjunction with our Group Executive Chef . As Executive Chef, you will be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations, maintaining the highest standards of food quality and safety, and creating memorable dining experiences for our clients. This role is integral to the success of our catering business and offers the chance to make a significant impact on our organisation's culinary direction and reputation.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, design and execute menus that reflect current culinary trends whilst meeting client specifications and dietary requirements
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, plating and presentation standards
• Manage kitchen staff and labour budgets through supervision, training, mentoring and performance evaluation to ensure team excellence
• Maintain rigorous food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards in compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations
• Control food costs and manage inventory, purchasing and supplier relationships to maximise efficiency and profitability
• Review, propose and implement quality control procedures to ensure consistent excellence in all dishes
• Liaise with clients to understand their requirements, preferences and expectations for events and contract solutions
• Stay abreast of industry developments, culinary innovations and best practices to maintain competitive advantage
• Monitor and manage kitchen budgets and staffing resources

What we're looking for

• Formal culinary qualification or recognised apprenticeship in professional cookery
• Minimum 8+ years' experience working in professional kitchens, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership or management capacity
• Extensive knowledge of food safety and hygiene regulations, including HACCP principles
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop kitchen teams of varying sizes
• Strong understanding of food costs, budgeting and inventory management
• Excellent menu planning and culinary creativity skills with the ability to adapt menus to client needs
• Exceptional organisational and time management abilities, particularly in fast-paced catering environments
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with clients and staff at all levels
• Knowledge of catering operations and event management is highly desirable
• Current understanding of workplace health and safety practices and the ability to implement them effectively

What we offer

• At Catering Project, we are committed to creating a supportive and collaborative work environment where our team members can thrive. We offer competitive remuneration aligned with industry standards, opportunities for professional development and career progression within a growing organisation. We recognise the importance of work-life balance and strive to create a culture where our staff feel valued and respected. Additional benefits include staff discount on catering services, opportunities to work on diverse and interesting projects, and the chance to lead a talented culinary team. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

About us

Catering Project is a dynamic and innovative catering company based in Glebe, NSW, dedicated to delivering exceptional culinary experiences for our clients. We specialise in creating bespoke catering solutions for corporate events, private functions and special occasions. Our mission is to combine creativity, quality and professionalism to exceed client expectations on every occasion. With a strong reputation for excellence, attention to detail and outstanding customer service, we have established ourselves as a trusted catering partner in the Sydney region. We pride ourselves on our talented team, our commitment to using quality ingredients and our passion for creating memorable dining experiences.