Head Chef

NRMA Parks and Resorts; Durras Lake; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel discounts

Complimentary myNRMA membership

ME day

Discounts on NRMA insurance

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

NRMA Parks & Resorts is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our busy kitchen operation at Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort. This role suits someone who thrives in high‑volume environments, loves modern Australian dining and developing teams.

You will manage the Bistro, Skippy's Takeaway and events, collaborate with Resort Management and ensure memorable guest experiences. Staff accommodation is available and the team is ready to welcome you as soon as possible.

Qualifications

• Formal culinary qualification required.
• Strong leadership experience in high‑volume kitchen environments.
• Excellent planning, organisation and communication skills.
• Experience delivering food service for events, weddings and conferences.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team with clarity, direction and hands‑on approach.
• Oversee kitchen operations across Bistro, Takeaway and events.
• Deliver exceptional food offerings for events, weddings and conferences.
• Ensure all food is prepared, cooked and presented to company standards.
• Mentor, develop and support team members to foster a high‑performing culture.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Menu development

Food safety awareness

Education

Formal qualification in Commercial Cookery

Current Food Safety Supervisor Certification

Job description

With properties in some of Australia’s most iconic locations, NRMA Parks & Resorts provide accommodation that suits every budget, style, and occasion – from campsites to luxury resorts. We connect holidaymakers with over 50 incredible destinations to create unforgettable holiday experiences. Part of the trusted NRMA Group, a member‑owned brand, our passionate team works together to make holiday magic happen—it's not just our job, it’s in our nature.

NRMA Murramarang Beachfront Holiday Resort will become your new home‑away‑from‑home – surrounded by the spectacular Murramarang national park and stunning absolute beachfront. Located just north of Batemans Bay on the South Coast of NSW.

The Resort offers a large range of camp/caravan sites and accommodation options, from Beachfront Villa’s to Glamping Tents. We offer a multitude of facilities for the young and young at heart; resort style pools, licenced on‑site dining options and conference/events/wedding facilities. As we are located in national park, this is not a pet friendly park BUT there is the opportunity for a daily mingle with the free roaming Kangaroos.

Job Description

We're seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our busy kitchen operation. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in high‑volume environments, has a passion for modern Australian dining, enjoys developing and leading teams, and brings strong experience delivering exceptional food experiences across à la carte service, events, weddings and conference catering.

You’ll oversee a diverse food operation comprising our popular Bistro, Skippy's Takeaway, and busy events and conference centre, while working closely with our Resort Manager, Food & Beverage Manager and Group Food & Beverage Manager to deliver memorable guest experiences.

This is an exciting opportunity for a chef who enjoys balancing creativity with operational excellence. While supplier management, recipe frameworks and menu support are provided by our Group Food & Beverage Manager, you’ll have the creative freedom to design and deliver menus for events, functions and weddings, helping bring each occasion to life.

Staff accommodation is available, and we’re looking for someone who can join the team as soon as possible.

What You Will Do

• Lead and inspire the kitchen team with clarity, direction, enthusiasm and a hands‑on approach
• Oversee kitchen operations across the Bistro, Skippy's Takeaway, events and conference facilities
• Deliver exceptional food offerings for events, weddings, conferences and group bookings
• Ensure all food is prepared, cooked and presented to company standards and guest expectations
• Manage department rosters to meet operational requirements
• Monitor food costs, waste management, portion control and menu performance to achieve budget and KPI targets
• Order food products to ensure consistent menu availability
• Partner with the Group Food & Beverage Manager on menu development, supplier management and food governance standards
• Create innovative and memorable menus for functions, events and weddings
• Source quality local produce and champion fresh, seasonal ingredients
• Liaise closely with restaurant and food service teams to ensure seamless kitchen operations and guest service
• Maintain a safe, clean and hygienic kitchen environment
• Ensure daily temperature checks, food storage procedures and compliance records are completed accurately
• Mentor, develop and support team members to foster a positive and high‑performing kitchen culture

What You Will Bring

• Formal qualification in Commercial Cookery
• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef or Senior Sous Chef within a resort, hotel, club, restaurant or hospitality venue
• Strong experience delivering food service for events, weddings, conferences and group functions
• Current Food Safety Supervisor Certification
• Experience managing food costs, stock control, ordering and kitchen budgets
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop high‑performing teams
• Experience working within structured operational and corporate governance frameworks
• Excellent planning, organisational and communication skillsPassion for fresh, quality food and delivering memorable dining experiences
• Willing to be part of a greater team and jump in to assist the team and lead from the front

What’s in it for you?

• Progressive flexibility, leave and well‑being benefits to balance all of life's priorities
• Travel discounts on SIXT car rental, cruises, and accommodation at our award‑winning NRMA Holiday Parks and Resorts.
• Complimentary myNRMA membership including free Roadside Assistance & discounts on groceries, movie tickets, gift cards, gym memberships, attractions, restaurants and much more
• “ME” day – one extra day of paid leave per year, called a ME Day, to use at any time during the calendar year
• Discounts on all NRMA insurance products including car, home & travel
• Grow or progress your career and move around the country or across the NRMA Group's business with us.

Know You Belong

We’re for inclusion, diversity, and representing the members, guests, customers, and communities we serve. That’s why we welcome applications from First Nations, people with disability, those from diverse cultural backgrounds, people of all genders, members of the LGBTQI+ community, and anyone else who wants to be part of our team.

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you’re a talented Head Chef looking for a career opportunity in one of Australia’s most spectacular locations, we’d love to hear from you.

As part of our recruitment process, all employees at NRMA Parks and Resorts are subject to mandatory pre‑employment checks.