Head Chef

Smoked on Depot; Dubbo; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Smoked on Depot in Dubbo, NSW, is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead daily kitchen operations, ensure high-quality smoked meats and sides, and manage food costs. You will plan menus, supervise kitchen staff and coordinate with the owner on growth opportunities while delivering exceptional service.

The role requires a recognised commercial cookery qualification, proven leadership in a busy kitchen, and a flexible full-time roster including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Recognised commercial cookery qualification or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience in a commercial kitchen with leadership.
• Ability to operate and organise a professional kitchen independently.
• Strong understanding of food costs, inventory, and food safety.
• Flexible full-time roster including evenings and weekends and events.
• Reliability, accountability and proactive problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage daily kitchen operations, preparation and service.
• Maintain high food quality, presentation and safety standards.
• Manage stock, purchasing, wastage, portion control and food costs.
• Plan production schedules and supervise kitchen staff.
• Prepare and deliver functions, events and off-site catering.
• Develop menu ideas and improve kitchen systems and efficiency.
• Collaborate with the owner to grow the business.

Skills

Leadership

Menu planning

Food costs

Inventory management

Problem solving

Reliability

Education

Commercial cookery qualification

Job description

Key responsibilities

• Independently manage daily kitchen operations, preparation and service
• Maintain consistently high food quality, presentation and food safety standards
• Manage stock, purchasing, wastage, portion control and food costs
• Plan production schedules and manage kitchen staff
• Prepare and deliver functions, special events and off-site catering
• Develop menu ideas and improve kitchen systems and efficiency
• Work closely with the owner to grow the business

About you

• Recognised commercial cookery qualification or equivalent professional competency
• Demonstrated experience in a commercial kitchen, including leadership or supervisory responsibility
• Ability to independently operate and organise a professional kitchen
• Strong understanding of food costs, inventory, kitchen efficiency and food safety
• Genuine availability to work a flexible full-time roster, including evenings, weekends and occasional weekday or off-site events, with appropriate notice and roster arrangements
• Reliability, accountability and a proactive approach to problem-solving
• Interest in a stable, long-term position
• Experience with American BBQ, smoking, grilling or large-format meat cookery is highly regarded
• Functions, catering or event experience is highly regarded
• Experience managing kitchen teams and developing menus is highly regarded

About us

• Smoked on Depot is an independently owned American BBQ smokehouse in Dubbo NSW, specialising in authentic low-and-slow smoked meats, American-inspired sides and bold flavours.
• Competitive salary reflecting experience and responsibility
• A focused restaurant trading schedule, with roster flexibility around planned events
• Opportunity to lead an established kitchen and influence its future direction
• Genuine input into menu development, catering and new business opportunities
• Direct involvement with the owner in a growing independent hospitality business