Head Chef - Horse & Jockey Hotel

Laundy Hotel Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts across Laundy Hotels

Job summary

The Laundy Hotel Group invites applications for a Head Chef at the Hose & Jockey Hotel in Homebush. You will lead a busy kitchen, influence seasonal menus and work closely with the Venue Manager and Group Executive Chef to deliver outstanding dining experiences.

We're seeking hands-on leaders with a minimum of 3 years in kitchen management, strong profitability awareness, and a passion for hospitality. Nights and weekends are a must, with a supportive team and ongoing training.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience as a Kitchen Manager, Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a busy pub kitchen or restaurant.
• Understanding of wages, COGS, pricing calculations for menus.
• Desire to learn from industry mentors and peers.
• Understanding of strategic food ordering to minimise waste and maximise profit margin.
• Hands-on leadership style that fosters creativity, respect and empowerment of the team.
• Excellent communication skills and a positive work ethic.
• Willingness to work nights and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a busy kitchen team
• Collaborate with the Group Executive Chef on seasonal menus and events
• Work with Venue Manager and FOH team to ensure smooth service
• Manage COGS, wages and profitability targets
• Oversee kitchen rosters and compliance
• Maintain high standards of food quality, portion control and presentation
• Showcase creativity across seasonal, function, and special event menus

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Financial acumen

Menu planning

Stock & COGS management

Staff training & development

Communication

Night and weekend availability

Job description

• Key Leadership role at a local favourite in Homebush
• Enjoy exclusive staff discounts across Laundy Hotels venues and experiences.
• Learn, grow and thrive with ongoing training and development

Horse & Jockey Hotel | Laundy Hotel Group

Laundy Hotels are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Head Chef to join the team at the Hose & Jockey in Homebush.

The Horse & Jockey Hotel is proud to celebrate its rich history, with the original license dating back to 1809. Much has changed since then; however, the H & J has always maintained top-quality service, food and beverages that have left our loyal customers satisfied for generations.

The Opportunity:

As the Head Chef youare responsible forbut not limited to;

• Effectively lead and manage a busy kitchen team
• Work directlyThe Group Executive chef on the creation of seasonal menus, special event menus, and specials
• Work collaboratively with the Venue Manager and FOH team
• Effectively manage andmaintainCOGS,wages, and profitability expectations
• Manage kitchen roster and ensure compliance
• Manage food quality,portioncontroland presentation
• Your creativity is encouraged and will beshowcasedthrough various menus (seasonal, function,special events, weekly specials)
• Maintainhigh levelsof hygiene and cleanliness

WHO ARE YOU

• At least 3 years’ experience as a Kitchen manager, Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef at a busy pub kitchen or restaurant
• An understanding of financialsiewages, COGS, pricing calculations for menus
• A desire to learn more from industry leading mentors
• An understanding of strategicfood ordering tominimisewaste andmaximiseprofit margin
• Passion and creativitydemonstratedthrough the menu and mealofferings
• Hands on leadership style who fosters creativity, respect and empowers the team
• Excellent communication skills
• A positive attitude with a strong work ethic andstrong communicationskills
• You must be able to worknightsand weekends

Four generations, countless beers poured, and a legacy built on good old-fashioned hospitality, that's the Laundy way. We kicked things off in 1945 with the Sackville Hotel in Rozelle and never looked back. Through grit, heart, and a knack for turning pubs into community icons, we've grown into one of NSW's most recognisable hospitality families. Today we have a diverse portfolio of 40+ venues that stretch from your trusty local, to boutique hotels and buzzy beachfront playgrounds. The heart of Laundy beats the same everywhere: Think Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel, the Woolwich Pier, the Marsden Brewhouse, and beyond, where people gather, celebrate, commiserate, and everything in between. From schooners at the local to spritzes by the sea, we've built a reputation for blending tradition with just the right splash of spunk.

We vibe best with people who are:

Accountable –

You own your projects, solve challenges and deliver with style.

Curious –

You’re always asking “what if” and exploring ways to make every event unforgettable.

Collaborative –

Because the best events are never a solo act.

Driven –

You thrive under pressure and bring your A-game without losing your smile.

We're all about people:

At Laundy Hotel Group, we know great hospitality starts with diverse voices and experiences. We're proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and we actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, cultures, and abilities — including First Nations peoples, people with disability, and those from the LGBTQIA+ community. If you require any adjustments to the recruitment process, our HR team would be happy to have a confidential chat to make sure you're comfortable and supported every step of the way. Drop us a line at [e-mail]

Our Acknowledgement of Country

We recognise the Wangal clan of the Darug Nation, Traditional Custodians of the land and waters at Homebush. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all First Nations peoples.