Head Chef - Events

Sports Endeavors, LLC; Sydney; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Onsite parking

Manager meals

Employee benefits

Career development

Job summary

Bankstown Sports is looking for an accomplished Head Chef - Events to lead the Events Kitchen Brigade and create outstanding culinary experiences for premium events and functions.

Reporting to the Culinary Director, you will oversee food production, team performance, financial outcomes and compliance, balancing operational excellence with people leadership across intimate VIP functions to large-scale events.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading culinary teams in events, banqueting, hotels or large-scale operations.
• Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong financial acumen with food costs, labour budgets and inventory controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing brigade.
• Drive exceptional food quality, presentation and consistency across all events.
• Oversee kitchen operations including rostering, labour management, procurement and stock control.
• Manage food costs, labour budgets and operational efficiencies.
• Deliver seamless execution across weddings, galas, conferences and large-scale functions.
• Champion food safety, HACCP and compliance.
• Partner with Culinary Director and Events leadership to deliver guest experiences.
• Contribute to menu development and product innovation.
• Lead service periods with confidence under pressure.

Skills

Culinary leadership

People development

Operational excellence

Food safety HACCP

Stakeholder management

Education

Commercial cookery qualifications

Certificate IV in Hospitality/Management

Job description

About Us

At Bankstown Sports, we don't just host events, we create memorable experiences that bring people together. As one of Australia's leading hospitality, entertainment and events destinations, our Events & Functions division delivers an impressive portfolio of weddings, gala dinners, corporate functions, conferences, awards nights and large-scale celebrations.

With a reputation built on exceptional food, flawless execution and genuine hospitality, we continue to set the benchmark for event experiences across Sydney. Backed by significant investment, a talented culinary team and a culture that values innovation and excellence, this is an exciting opportunity to lead one of the region's most dynamic events kitchens.

About the Role

We are seeking an accomplished and inspirational Head Chef - Events to lead our Events Kitchen Brigade and deliver exceptional culinary experiences across a diverse calendar of premium events and functions.

Reporting directly to the Culinary Director, you will be responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the Events Kitchen, overseeing all aspects of food production, team performance, financial outcomes, quality assurance and compliance.

This is a highly visible leadership role requiring a chef who can seamlessly balance operational excellence with people leadership. From intimate VIP functions to large-scale events catering for hundreds of guests, you will be responsible for ensuring every event reflects the high standards and reputation of the Bankstown Sports Group.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing brigade, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and excellence
• Drive exceptional food quality, presentation and consistency across all functions and events
• Oversee all kitchen operations including rostering, labour management, procurement, stock control and inventory management
• Manage food costs, labour budgets and operational efficiencies to achieve commercial objectives
• Deliver seamless execution across weddings, gala dinners, conferences, cocktail events and large-scale functions
• Champion food safety, HACCP compliance and legislative requirements across the operation
• Partner closely with the Culinary Director and Events leadership team to deliver outstanding guest experiences
• Contribute to menu development, product innovation and continuous improvement initiatives
• Lead service periods with confidence while maintaining exceptional standards under pressure

About You

You are a proven culinary leader with a passion for events, people development and operational excellence. You thrive in high-volume environments, inspire those around you and take immense pride in delivering memorable guest experiences through exceptional food.

You bring a strategic mindset, strong commercial acumen and the leadership capability to drive performance while maintaining a positive and engaging kitchen culture.

To Be Successful, You Will Have:

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Executive Sous Chef or Senior Sous Chef within events, banqueting, hotels, catering or large-scale hospitality operations
• Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing culinary teams
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing food costs, labour budgets and inventory controls
• A track record of delivering high-quality food experiences across large and complex events
• Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong organisational and planning capabilities with exceptional attention to detail
• The ability to remain composed and make effective decisions in fast-paced service environments
• A passion for mentoring and developing future culinary talent
• Relevant commercial cookery qualifications

Essential Certifications

• Food Safety Supervisor Certificate
• Follow Workplace Hygiene Procedures
• Provide First Aid Certificate
• Certificate IV in Hospitality and/or Management (highly regarded)

Why Join Us?

• Lead one of Sydney's largest and most diverse Events & Functions culinary operations
• Deliver premium weddings, gala dinners, conferences and large-scale events
• Work alongside an experienced Culinary Director and talented leadership team
• Genuine opportunity to influence culinary direction, standards and innovation
• Ongoing leadership development and professional growth opportunities
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Generous daily manager meal allowance across our venues
• Free secure onsite parking and discounted car washes
• Employee rewards, recognition programs and exclusive team member benefits
• Be part of a progressive hospitality group that invests in its people and promotes from within

Ready to Lead Exceptional Events?

If you're a passionate culinary leader looking to make a significant impact within a thriving and growing events operation, we'd love to hear from you.