head chef

PJs in the City; Canberra; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts

Professional development

Flexible work arrangement

Positive culture

Job summary

PJs in the City in Canberra, ACT 2600, is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen, directing all food preparation, menu development and operations. This full-time role requires vision, culinary excellence and strong leadership to drive our dining standards.

You will shape our culinary identity, ensure peak quality and presentation across service periods, and mentor a talented team in a collaborative kitchen culture with development opportunities and a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• 5+ years professional kitchen experience
• 2–3 years in Head Chef or senior leadership
• Formal culinary qualification or equivalent
• Strong knowledge of food safety and hygiene standards

Responsibilities

• Lead and motivate the kitchen team to maintain high standards of preparation and presentation
• Develop, design and update menus reflecting current trends while preserving our identity
• Oversee food costing, budgeting and inventory management for profitability
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene, safety regulations, and health standards
• Train and mentor kitchen staff, fostering continuous improvement
• Manage supplier relationships and quality ingredients
• Maintain quality control throughout all stages of preparation and service
• Collaborate with management on promotional menus and events
• Monitor kitchen performance metrics and boost efficiency
• Maintain a clean, safe working environment for the team

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Food costing

Food safety

Communication

Organisation

POS experience

First Aid/CPR

Education

Culinary qualification

Tools

POS software

Job description

PJs in the City is a vibrant hospitality establishment located in the heart of Canberra. We are passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences to our guests through innovative cuisine, outstanding service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Our commitment to quality, creativity, and excellence has established us as a respected venue within the Canberra hospitality scene. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative kitchen culture where culinary excellence thrives and our team members feel valued and supported.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations at PJs in the City in Canberra, ACT 2600. This is a full-time position that offers the opportunity to direct all aspects of food preparation, menu development, and kitchen management. As Head Chef, you will be the driving force behind our culinary vision, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation across all service periods. You will play a pivotal role in shaping our dining identity and maintaining the exceptional reputation we have built within the community.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and motivate the kitchen team to maintain the highest standards of food preparation and presentation
• Develop, design, and regularly update menus that reflect current culinary trends whilst maintaining our signature style and identity
• Oversee all aspects of food costing, budgeting, and inventory management to ensure profitability and minimal waste
• Ensure strict adherence to food hygiene, safety regulations, and health standards at all times
• Train and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development
• Manage supplier relationships and procure high-quality ingredients and provisions
• Maintain quality control throughout all stages of food preparation and service
• Collaborate with management to develop promotional menus and special dining events
• Monitor kitchen performance metrics and implement strategies to improve efficiency and productivity
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment for the entire kitchen team

What we’re looking for

• Minimum 5+ years of professional kitchen experience, with at least 2-3 years in a Head Chef or senior chef leadership role
• Formal culinary qualification or equivalent professional experience demonstrating advanced cooking techniques and food preparation knowledge
• Proven expertise in menu planning, recipe development, and food costing
• Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards, and compliance with relevant regulations including Food Safety Supervisor certification or equivalent
• Excellent leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff
• Outstanding organisational abilities with strong attention to detail
• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with all departments
• Creative culinary vision combined with practical problem‑solving abilities
• Proficiency in kitchen management systems and Point of Sale (POS) software is advantageous
• Current First Aid and CPR certification is preferred

What we offer

At PJs in the City, we believe in supporting our team members to achieve their best. We offer a competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications. You will have opportunities for professional development and further culinary training to advance your skills and career. We foster a positive and collaborative kitchen culture where your creative contributions are valued and celebrated. Our team benefits from a supportive work environment, staff discounts on dining and beverages, and recognition of outstanding performance. We are committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance and offer flexibility where possible within the operational requirements of our service.