Head Chef

Rippling, Inc.; Sydney; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cafe/Bar discount

Counselling services

Birthday leave

Multi-location work

Weekly events program

Maternity leave

Education program

Job summary

The Commons in NSW seeks a highly skilled Head Chef to lead a small production kitchen, onsite cafe, restaurant and bar at Martin Place. You will work with the Group Executive Chef to ensure smooth operations and culinary excellence.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in leadership roles within high-end venues, strong skills in cost control, inventory, and staff development, and the ability to manage multiple services under pressure.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Cert III in Commercial Cookery and NSW Food Safety Supervisor certification (desirable).
• Minimum of 5 years' experience as a qualified Chef with leadership roles in high-end or large-scale settings.
• Strong culinary skills with creativity and a focus on cost and inventory control.

Responsibilities

• Lead NSW kitchen operations and manage day-to-day kitchen activities.
• Train, mentor, and develop staff to sustain high performance and standards.
• Oversee food production, prep, service, cafe operations, and staffing.
• Collaborate on menu development and seasonal updates with the executive team.
• Control labor, food costs, stock, and reporting; ensure WHS compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary skills

Food costing

Labor management

Inventory control

High-volume production

Event catering

Time management

Problem-solving

Work under pressure

Education

Cert III in Commercial Cookery

NSW Food Safety Supervisor certification

Job description

The Commons is an ecosystem of entrepreneurs, businesses, and curious minds working, connecting, and growing under a common roof. Driven by the sincere desire to see people flourish, we support curiosity and believe in the collective power of people to instigate change. Our focus is on building and strengthening community, and we challenge the status quo in an effort to innovate.

Our in-house café and wine bar offer a seamless all-day experience, from specialty coffee and a high-quality, modern Australian food menu to curated wines and cocktails in the evening. We focus on local and sustainable produce, pairing it with warm, attentive service and a strong sense of community.
The space serves as a vibrant meeting point for members, whether it’s for a morning coffee, a relaxed lunch, or after-work drinks. Our concise food menu balances fun and nostalgia, complemented by a seasonal all-Australian wine list, classic cocktails made with local spirits, and a reserve 'vault' selection of international favourites.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Head Chef to join and lead our kitchen team in NSW. This person will play a pivotal role operating a small production and on-site café, restaurant and bar at Martin Place. They will work closely with the Group Executive Chef, ensuring the smooth operation of the kitchen.

What you'll be doing

Leadership & Management

• Overall leadership of New South Wales kitchen operations.
• Reports directly to the Group Executive Chef.
• Full responsibility for day-to-day kitchen management and state-level oversight.
• Train, mentor, and develop staff to ensure high performance and adherence to standards.
• Collaborate with the Group Executive Chef to implement and maintain the culinary vision.
• Oversee all food production and services: cooking, prep, day service, night service, and cafe prep.

Menu Development & Adherence

• Lead menu production, adherence, and updates in collaboration with the Group Executive Chef.
• Contribute to creating innovative, seasonal menus aligned with the restaurant's concept.
• Oversee consistency and quality in all dishes served.

Cost Management

• Overall state financial control, including labor and food costs, stock management, and reporting.

Operational Excellence

• Participate in regular meetings to discuss updates, feedback, and operational improvements.

Stock Management

• Oversee ordering food and supplies, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Manage stock logistics, ensuring supply to other NSW CBD sites.

Work Health and Safety

• Ensure and drive adherence to WHS standards at all times.
• Promote and communicate safe work practices among team members.
• Maintain a safe and clean kitchen environment.

You’ll bring

• Completion of a Cert III in Commercial Cookery (minimum requirement) and NSW Food Safety Supervisor certification (desirable but will be provided if not already completed).
• Minimum of 5 years' experience as a qualified Chef, including leadership roles within higher-end restaurants or large-scale establishments.
• Proven ability to lead and develop kitchen teams, maintaining high performance and morale.
• Strong culinary skills with a passion for creativity and innovation.
• Solid knowledge of food costing, labour management, and inventory control.
• Proficiency in high-volume production and event catering.
• Strong organisational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, managing multiple tasks and priorities.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

At The Commons, you’ll be part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and growth all within a culture built on community.

We offer:

• Discount on all Commons Cafe and Bar locations
• Free counselling sessions
• Birthday leave
• Ability to work across different locations
• Weekly events program e.g. breakfast club, yoga & drinks
• Additional paid maternity leave
• Further education program to support personal and professional development

Our Values

At The Commons, our values guide how we work, collaborate and show up for one another every day. We're looking for people who genuinely embody these values in the way they think, act and contribute.

• Putting our members first
• Fostering our community
• Working together as a team
• Constantly learning and growing