Head Chef | Hampstead

Queensland Venue Co. PTY LTD; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus up to $20K

Staff discounts across venues

Career development

Supportive hospitality team

Job summary

Australian Venue Co. is seeking a Head Chef for the Hampstead Hotel in Adelaide to lead the kitchen, own the food offering, and drive day-to-day operations with a strong team culture.

You will manage menu development, food costs, stock and food safety, while mentoring chefs at all levels and collaborating with the Venue Manager to deliver quality dining and excellent service.

Qualifications

• Head Chef or Sous Chef ready to step up.
• High-volume pub/hotel experience.
• Strong understanding of food costs and wage management.
• Leadership and communication skills.
• Knowledge of food safety and kitchen compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team.
• Manage day-to-day kitchen operations and service.
• Maintain high food quality and presentation.
• Develop menus, specials and seasonal offerings.
• Control food costs, GP, stock and inventory.
• Train and mentor chefs at all levels.
• Work closely with Venue Manager and leadership team.
• Deliver an efficient, organized and commercially focused kitchen.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Menu development

Food safety

Staff mentoring

Job description

Lead the kitchen at one of Adelaide's iconic local pubs! The Hampstead Hotel is looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and take ownership of our food offering at this well-established Adelaide venue. Located in Collinswood, the Hampstead is one of Adelaide's oldest hotels, combining a modern Sports Bar, relaxed bistro, functions and a busy local trade. Our kitchen delivers a diverse menu spanning modern Australian dishes, hearty pub classics, steaks, schnitzels, burgers, salads and share plates, with our famous salad and vegetable bar being a favourite with our guests.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary + annual bonus of up to $20K paid quarterly
• Opportunity to lead the kitchen of a well-established Adelaide venue
• Join a supportive venue and broader hospitality team
• Autonomy to lead and develop the kitchen operation
• A strong local customer base and consistent trade
• Opportunity to influence menus, specials and food quality
• Staff discounts across our venues
• Career development and progression opportunities

About the role

As Head Chef, you'll take ownership of the day-to-day kitchen operation, ensuring great food, strong kitchen standards and a positive team culture. You'll be responsible for:

• Leading, motivating and developing the kitchen team
• Managing day-to-day kitchen operations and service
• Maintaining consistently high food quality and presentation
• Menu development, specials and seasonal offerings
• Food costing, GP management and stock control
• Ordering and managing kitchen inventory
• Ensuring food safety, hygiene and WHS standards are maintained
• Managing labour and kitchen wage costs
• Training and mentoring chefs at all levels
• Working closely with the Venue Manager and leadership team
• Delivering an efficient, organised and commercially focused kitchen

About you

We’re looking for a Head Chef who is hands-on, organised and commercially minded, with the leadership skills to bring a kitchen team together. You’ll ideally have:

• Previous experience as a Head Chef or Sous Chef ready to step up
• Strong experience in a high-volume pub, hotel or similar environment
• Excellent understanding of food costs, GP and kitchen wage management
• A passion for producing quality food consistently
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• The ability to remain calm and organised during busy services
• A genuine interest in developing and mentoring your team
• Strong knowledge of food safety and kitchen compliance
• A positive, solutions-focused approach

About the Hampstead Hotel

The Hampstead Hotel is a true local favourite, offering something for everyone - from its bistro and famous salad and vegetable bar to its newly refreshed Sports Bar, functions and live entertainment. If you’re an experienced chef looking for your next leadership opportunity and want to make your mark at a busy Adelaide venue, we’d love to hear from you!

Australian Venue Co. promotes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion through programs like AVC Pride for LGBTQIA+ support, Her Hospo for empowering women, and a First Nations Committee for reconciliation.

We are committed to growing our understanding and engagement in diversity, equity and inclusion to build a more inclusive industry.

We’re passionate about training & developing our team members and providing internal career advancement opportunities.