Head Chef

Opal Healthcare; Murwillumbah; On-site; AUD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent full-time opportunity

Salary Range: $80,000 - $85,000 perann

Competitive salary package plus 12%.

Paid parental leave

Flexible public holiday options

Opal HealthCare Academy

Scholarships up to $15,000 for further

State and national career progression

Team Member discounts

Wellbeing programs

$5,000 referral bonus

Industry-leading systems

Supportive leadership team

Job summary

Opal HealthCare is seeking an experienced Head Chef for Murwillumbah Greens in the Northern Rivers region. This role leads kitchen operations, shapes menus, and develops a high-performing team to deliver exceptional dining experiences for residents.

Join a vibrant community-focused hospitality environment within Opal HealthCare, with opportunities for growth, development through the Opal HealthCare Academy, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Food Safety Supervisor certification.
• Previous experience leading kitchen or hospitality teams.
• Passion for delivering outstanding food and customer experiences.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and people management skills.
• Sound understanding of food safety, WHS, and kitchen compliance requirements.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to complete: Pre-employment medical, Police Check, NDIS Worker Screening Check.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the catering team to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
• Plan and prepare nutritious, high-quality meals that meet resident preferences and dietary requirements.
• Create seasonal menus and contribute to engaging food experiences for residents.
• Coach and develop kitchen team members through mentoring and on-the-job training.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, infection control, and workplace safety requirements.
• Manage ordering, stock control, and catering budgets to minimise waste and maximise value.
• Build positive relationships with residents and families to understand their dining preferences.
• Drive continuous improvement across hospitality services and resident satisfaction.

Skills

Food Safety Supervisor

Leadership

People management

Kitchen operations

Menu planning

Job description

"At Opal HealthCare, we know that companies don't succeed, people do."
Our purpose is to bring joy to those we care for and our values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence reflect that C.A.R.E is at the heart of everything we do. Opal HealthCare is one of Australia's leading private aged care providers, with over 150 Care Communities, caring for more than 14,000 residents and supporting over 23,000 team members nationwide.

About the Role

Lead the culinary experience at one of the Northern Rivers' most vibrant community destinations.

Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Northern Rivers region, Murwillumbah Greens is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to take ownership of our kitchen operations and help shape an exceptional dining experience for our residents .

This is a fantastic opportunity for a talented chef who enjoys the balance of leadership, creativity, and operational excellence. You'll have the chance to make your mark on the menu, develop a high-performing team, and contribute to the continued growth.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about food, thrives in a busy hospitality environment, and enjoys mentoring and developing others.

What You'll Do

• Lead and inspire the catering team to deliver exceptional dining experiences
• Plan and prepare nutritious, high-quality meals that meet resident preferences and dietary requirements
• Create seasonal menus and contribute to engaging food experiences for residents
• Coach and develop kitchen team members through mentoring and on-the-job training
• Ensure compliance with food safety, infection control, and workplace safety requirements
• Manage ordering, stock control, and catering budgets to minimise waste and maximise value
• Build positive relationships with residents and families to understand their dining preferences
• Drive continuous improvement across hospitality services and resident satisfaction

Benefits & Rewards

• Permanent full-time opportunity, Monday - Friday 9am -5pm
• Salary Range: $80,000 - $85,000 per annum
• Competitive salary package plus 12% superannuation
• Paid parental leave and flexible public holiday options
• Ongoing learning and development through the Opal HealthCare Academy
• Scholarships of up to $15,000 for further study
• State and national career progression opportunities
• Team Member discounts, wellbeing programs and recognition initiatives
• $5,000 referral bonus for eligible referrals
• Industry-leading systems, technology and innovation
• Supportive leadership team and rewarding career pathways

What You'll Bring

• Food Safety Supervisor certification
• Previous experience leading kitchen or hospitality teams
• Passion for delivering outstanding food and customer experiences
• Strong leadership, coaching, and people management skills
• Sound understanding of food safety, WHS, and kitchen compliance requirements
• Excellent organisational, communication, and time management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to complete:
• Pre-employment medical
• Police Check
• NDIS Worker Screening Check

Make a Meaningful Move

Join a team that values your expertise, supports your growth, and empowers you to create memorable dining experiences for residents every day.