head chef

harvestment pty ltd; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

harvestment pty ltd in Rhodes, NSW, is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a fast-paced, high-volume cafe kitchen. You will take full creative ownership of the menu, design seasonal updates, and drive quality and efficiency across service.

With strong leadership, financial literacy, and a passion for modern cafe food, you will manage food costs, inventory, suppliers, and food safety, while mentoring staff and maintaining plating aesthetics during busy breakfast and lunch periods.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume cafe or restaurant environment
• Strong leadership capabilities with a knack for keeping a kitchen team calm and motivated under pressure
• A genuine passion for modern cafe food, plating aesthetics, and current culinary trends
• Excellent communication skills and strong financial literacy regarding food margins and kitchen rostering
• Trade qualifications in Commercial Cookery (Certificate III or IV) are highly regarded

Responsibilities

• Create and update seasonal cafe menus to become the benchmark for surrounding cafes
• Recruit, train, roster, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a positive work culture
• Manage food costs, inventory control, wastage, and supplier relationships to hit gross profit targets
• Maintain pristine kitchen cleanliness and strictly adhere to food safety regulations and standard operating procedures
• Lead from the front line during busy breakfast and lunch rushes

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Communication

Education

Commercial Cookery Certificate III/IV

Job description

We are a bustling, community-focused 200pax Modern Australian cafe in Rhodes dedicated to great exceptional food, fresh local ingredients, and premium beverages. Our kitchen is fast-paced, creative, and prides itself on serving a modern, high-quality daytime menu. We are looking for an experienced and energetic Head Chef to lead our kitchen team, take full creative ownership of our menu, and maintain high standards of quality and efficiency.

About the role

This is a Head Chef position in a high-volume cafe environment. You will create and update seasonal menus, lead kitchen operations during busy service periods, and drive financial performance through cost control and inventory management.

Key responsibilities

• Create and update seasonal cafe menus to become the benchmark for surrounding cafes
• Recruit, train, roster, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a positive work culture
• Manage food costs, inventory control, wastage, and supplier relationships to hit gross profit targets
• Maintain pristine kitchen cleanliness and strictly adhere to food safety regulations and standard operating procedures
• Lead from the front line during busy breakfast and lunch rushes

About you

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume cafe or restaurant environment
• Strong leadership capabilities with a knack for keeping a kitchen team calm and motivated under pressure
• A genuine passion for modern cafe food, plating aesthetics, and current culinary trends
• Excellent communication skills and strong financial literacy regarding food margins and kitchen rostering
• Trade qualifications in Commercial Cookery (Certificate III or IV) are highly regarded