Head Chef Full Time

Panthers Group; Port Macquarie; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40% discount at Panthers-owned outlets

20% merchandise discount

Accommodation and entertainment perks

Wellbeing Leave

Staff events

Job summary

Panthers Port Macquarie is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and elevate the dining experience for members and guests. You will own day-to-day operations, drive menu development and maintain strict quality and cost controls in a busy hospitality setting.

You will mentor chefs, balance creativity with commercial realities, and work with management to refine menus, systems and service while building a culture of teamwork and accountability.

Qualifications

• Significant senior kitchen leadership experience.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing kitchen teams.
• Strong knowledge of food costing, stock control and rostering.
• Deep understanding of food safety, hygiene and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team to deliver high-quality food and service.
• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations across restaurant, bistro, functions and events.
• Drive menu development with commercially viable ideas.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Manage food costs, stock control, ordering, wastage and kitchen productivity.
• Coordinate kitchen rosters and staffing for efficient service.
• Uphold food safety, hygiene and WHS compliance.
• Foster a positive, professional kitchen culture.
• Recruit and train chefs and kitchen staff.
• Collaborate with management and front-of-house for seamless service.
• Lead from the front during peak services.

Skills

Senior kitchen leadership

Team leadership

Food costing

Stock control

Food safety & hygiene

Menu development

High-volume hospitality

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Education

Commercial Cookery Trade Qualification

Job description

Passionate about great food, strong teams and running a kitchen to be proud of?

At Panthers Port Macquarie, food is a huge part of the experience we create for our members and guests. We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Head Chef to lead our kitchen team, drive quality and consistency, and bring fresh energy and ideas to our food offering.

The Opportunity

As Head Chef, you’ll take ownership of the day-to-day operation of our kitchen, leading and developing a diverse team while ensuring every service delivers on quality, presentation and customer experience.

This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who enjoys being in the kitchen, knows how to get the best out of their people, and can balance creativity with the commercial realities of running a busy hospitality operation.

You’ll work closely with the wider management team to continually improve our menus, systems and service while creating a kitchen culture built around teamwork, accountability and pride.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team to deliver consistently high-quality food and service.
• Oversee all day-to-day kitchen operations across restaurant, bistro, functions and events.
• Drive menu development and introduce fresh, commercially viable ideas that appeal to our members and guests.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Manage food costs, stock control, ordering, wastage and kitchen productivity.
• Coordinate kitchen rosters and workforce requirements to ensure efficient service delivery.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and WHS compliance.
• Build a positive, professional and accountable kitchen culture.
• Recruit, train, coach and develop chefs and kitchen team members.
• Work collaboratively with the management and front-of-house teams to deliver a seamless customer experience.
• Lead from the front during busy services, functions and peak trading periods.

To Be Successful In This Role, You Will Possess

• Significant experience in a senior kitchen leadership role such as Head Chef, Executive Chef or experienced Sous Chef ready to take the next step;
• Commercial Cookery Trade Qualification;
• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing kitchen teams;
• Strong experience within a high-volume hospitality, club, hotel or function environment;
• Excellent knowledge of food costing, stock control, rostering and kitchen operations;
• A strong understanding of food safety, hygiene and compliance requirements;
• The ability to remain calm, organised and solutions-focused in a fast-paced environment;
• Strong communication and people leadership skills;
• A genuine commitment to quality, consistency and customer experience; and
• Most importantly, a passion for food and creating a kitchen team people want to be part of.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

At Panthers, our PRIDE values shape everything we do. We take pride in being Professional in our approach, treating everyone with Respect, Inspiring one another to grow and succeed, remaining Dedicated to our members, guests and community, and striving to deliver Exceptional experiences every day. We know our people are the key to our success. That's why we're committed to creating a workplace where you'll feel supported, recognised and empowered to grow your skills, build your career and make a meaningful contribution.

As Part Of The Panthers Team, You'll Enjoy

• 40% discount at all Panthers-owned food outlets and free post-mix while on shift
• 20% discount on Panthers merchandise and the pride of being part of a Premiership-winning team
• Enjoy exclusive offers and discounts with a range of accommodation, retail, dining and entertainment providers.
• Reward and recognition programs that celebrate outstanding contributions
• Wellbeing Leave for PT/FT employees
• Purchased Annual Leave for eligible PT/FT employees to enjoy greater work-life flexibility
• Staff social events and opportunities to connect with your teammates
• Free onsite parking

About Us

Panthers Port Macquarie is ideally located in the heart of Port Macquarie, overlooking the beautiful Hastings River. Our Club boasts two restaurants, a café, two bars and 10 meeting, event and function spaces, as well as one of the region’s largest indoor entertainment venues and a dedicated family-friendly outdoor area. As part of the Panthers Group, we are strongly focused on our members, their guests and the wider community, proudly supporting local charities, sporting organisations and community initiatives. While Panthers has continued to grow, our priority remains delivering an exceptional customer experience and providing a welcoming place for the Port Macquarie community to play, eat, drink and meet.