Head Chef [Ace Hotel Wagga Pty Ltd]

Ace Hotel Wagga Pty Ltd; Wagga Wagga; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Ace Hotel Wagga Pty Ltd operates Romano's Hotel in Wagga Wagga, NSW, a high-volume venue with pub classics and contemporary offerings. The Head Chef will lead kitchen operations, shape menus, ensure quality, safety, and exceptional guest experiences across lunch, dinner, events and functions.

The role is full-time with a senior leadership salary of AUD 90,000 to 100,000 per year plus superannuation, with relocation to Wagga Wagga supported if needed, and the chance to influence the culinary

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in a management capacity at Head Chef level.
• Experience leading high-volume hospitality kitchens.
• Strong knowledge of contemporary Australian pub-style and event catering.

Responsibilities

• Create and update menus based on seasonal availability and cost.
• Oversee all food preparation; ensure quality and safety.
• Manage inventory, stock control, and orders to minimise waste.
• Recruit, train, and supervise kitchen staff.
• Enforce food safety and hygiene protocols.
• Monitor food and labour costs to achieve targets.
• Collaborate with management, front-of-house, and suppliers.
• Stay compliant with legislation and industry standards.
• Deliver exceptional dining experiences and service.

Skills

People leadership

Food safety leadership

High-volume kitchen management

Education

Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery

Diploma in Hotel Management

Equivalent qualification

Job description

Our client, Ace Hotel Wagga Pty Ltd, operates Romano's Hotel — one of Regional New South Wales\'s most iconic hospitality venues, proudly located in the heart of Wagga Wagga\'s Fitzmaurice Street precinct. Established in 1857 and locally operated with over 20 years of industry experience, Romano\'s has built its reputation on warmth, character and genuine hospitality. The venue encompasses a full-service restaurant, multiple function spaces accommodating up to 200 guests, premium accommodation including The Hampden Suites, and a vibrant bar programme — operating seven days a week across lunch, dinner, functions and events.

Ace Hotel Wagga Pty Ltd is seeking an experienced and driven Head Chef to lead kitchen operations at Romano\'s. This is a rare opportunity to shape the culinary identity of a well-established, high-volume venue. This full-time position offers a competitive salary AUD 90K to 100K per annum, plus superannuation.

SCOPE OF THE ROLE:

• Creating and updating menus based on seasonal availability, customer preferences, and cost considerations, drawing on Romano\'s tradition of delivering pub classics alongside unexpected contemporary offerings that keep guests coming back.
• Overseeing all food preparation processes across the kitchen, ensuring consistency, quality, and strict adherence to food safety standards across all service periods.
• Managing end-to-end kitchen operations, including inventory management, stock control, and ordering supplies to maintain adequate levels while minimising waste.
• Recruiting, training, and supervising kitchen staff, including chefs, cooks, and kitchen assistants, to build a cohesive and high-performing team.
• Implementing and enforcing rigorous food safety and hygiene protocols to ensure compliance with health regulations and maintain a clean and safe working environment at all times.
• Monitoring food costs, labour costs, and other operational expenses to meet budgetary targets and maximise venue profitability.
• Collaborating with management, front-of-house staff, and suppliers to coordinate seamless operations, resolve challenges, and maintain Romano\'s reputation for exceptional guest experiences.
• Staying updated on relevant legislation, regulations, and industry standards relating to food safety, hygiene, and employment practices.
• Driving a positive dining experience by consistently delivering delicious, well-presented meals and championing excellent customer service across all areas of the kitchen.

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE, YOU SHOULD:

• Hold at least 7+ years of experience in a management capacity at the Head Chef level, with a demonstrated track record of leading high-performing kitchen teams.
• Be willing to relocate to Wagga Wagga if currently based interstate or in another city.
• Hold a relevant hospitality or culinary qualification — a Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery, Diploma in Hotel Management, or equivalent is preferred.
• Demonstrate expertise in contemporary Australian cuisine with the versatility to execute a broad menu range, from pub staples to premium event catering.
• Bring previous experience in high-volume hospitality environments including hotels, large venues, or function and event-based catering.
• Have a strong understanding of multi-outlet kitchen operations, function catering, and service delivery across diverse dining formats.
• Demonstrate a proven ability to perform in fast-paced, operationally demanding environments under pressure.
• Possess strong organisational skills and leadership capability, with the ability to motivate and develop a diverse kitchen team.
• Have full availability across evenings, weekends, public holidays, and the ability to work split shifts as required by the venue\'s operating hours.
• Must hold valid Australian work rights at the time of application.

WHAT YOU’LL GET IN RETURN:

• A competitive senior leadership salary of $90,000 per annum, plus superannuation, negotiated based on experience and commercial responsibility.
• The opportunity to shape the culinary direction of one of Regional NSW\'s most iconic and enduring hospitality venues, with the creative and operational freedom to make a lasting impact.
• A fully resourced, high-volume kitchen environment backed by an experienced management team and the operational infrastructure of a venue with over 165 years of continuous hospitality tradition.
• A genuine sense of community and belonging — Romano\'s is locally run, deeply rooted in its region, and committed to the long-term development of its people and its culture.

Romano\'s Hotel (operated by Ace Hotel Wagga Pty Ltd) is committed to an Australian-first employment strategy and a recruitment process that is fair, transparent, and strictly merit-based. Applications are assessed solely on skills, qualifications, experience, and role suitability, without regard to personal background.

Only where genuine recruitment efforts confirm that no suitably qualified or experienced local candidates are available will individuals with valid work rights, or those eligible for employer sponsorship, be considered, strictly in line with the Migration Act 1958, Migration Regulations 1994, and current Department of Home Affairs policy. Employer sponsorship is approached as a measure of last resort, reflecting our commitment to workforce integrity, regulatory compliance, and the long-term development of local talent.