Head Chef & Kitchen Leader – Seasonal Cuisine

IHG; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid birthday leave

Hotel perks (accommodation & F&B)

Enhanced parental leave

Lifelong development program

IHG Career Milestone celebrations

Transfer of entitlements

Job summary

Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes is seeking an experienced Chef de Cuisine to lead our kitchen team, drive culinary excellence and deliver exceptional dining experiences. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will own shift operations, champion food quality, mentor staff and collaborate on innovative menus.

You will promote seasonal produce, manage costs and safety, and shape a high-performing kitchen culture focused on guest satisfaction and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership across kitchen sections
• Experience leading events (functions, conferences, weddings, banquets)
• Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery or equivalent
• Food Safety Certification with HACCP knowledge
• Understanding of food safety management systems
• Budget control, rostering and payroll understanding
• Strong reading, writing and basic maths
• Effective guest communication and problem-solving
• Commitment to developing people and self
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 23 kg
• Flexible availability including weekends and evenings
• Comfort with hotel systems and computer use
• Genuine passion for guest satisfaction and consistent quality

Responsibilities

• Lead on-shift kitchen operations, ensuring smooth, efficient and high-quality service
• Inspire and develop the culinary team through mentoring and training
• Champion food quality, consistency and presentation to meet guest expectations
• Collaborate with Executive Chef on menu development and seasonal offerings
• Maintain HACCP compliance and high kitchen hygiene standards
• Support with food ordering, inventory, stocktakes and supplier relationships
• Assist with budgeting, payroll forecasting, recipe costing and financial targets
• Promote a positive kitchen culture built on accountability and continuous improvement

Skills

Leadership

Culinary excellence

Team development

Food safety

Menu development

Communication

Budget management

Computer systems

Education

Certificate III or IV in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Crowne Plaza Adelaide Mawson Lakes is seeking an experienced Chef de Cuisine to lead our kitchen team, drive culinary excellence and deliver exceptional dining experiences. Reporting to the Executive Chef, you will own shift operations, champion food quality, mentor staff and collaborate on innovative menus.

You will promote seasonal produce, manage costs and safety, and shape a high-performing kitchen culture focused on guest satisfaction and continuous improvement.