Head Chef / Kitchen Manager

Bertas; Sydney; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Daytime hours, no nights!

Wednesday-Sunday roster

Competitive salary package

Genuine ownership and autonomy

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Bertas in Marrickville is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations with a hands-on approach. You will oversee food preparation, ensure consistency and quality, and keep the kitchen properly staffed, stocked and organised.

You’ll work with management to improve systems, control costs, train staff and drive a positive team culture in a busy, fast-paced deli. Daytime hours, no nights, with a Wednesday-Sunday roster.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a busy kitchen as Head Chef, Sous Chef, or Kitchen Manager.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to confidently manage a busy kitchen.
• Experience training staff and holding teams accountable.
• Understanding of food costs, stock control, portioning and labour efficiency.
• Hands-on, proactive problem solving and ownership of responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen team during daily service.
• Oversee food preparation, production and service to maintain quality.
• Manage stock, supplier ordering, inventory and waste.
• Monitor food costs and portion control to meet targets.
• Develop and maintain kitchen systems, procedures and prepping schedules.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene and workplace cleanliness.
• Assist with rostering and labour management.
• Improve workflow and team performance.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Hands-on

Tools

Kitchen management software

Job description

This is a hands‑on kitchen leadership role focused on operations, team management and consistency rather than menu development or creative cooking. You'll be responsible for overseeing kitchen operations, managing food preparation, maintaining quality standards and ensuring the kitchen is appropriately staffed, stocked and organised. You'll work closely with the management team to continually improve kitchen systems, productivity and overall performance.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the kitchen team during daily service, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
• Oversee all food preparation, production and service to maintain consistency, quality and presentation.
• Manage kitchen staff, including training, performance, delegation and daily task allocation.
• Develop and maintain effective kitchen systems, procedures, prep schedules and cleaning routines.
• Manage stock control, supplier ordering, inventory and waste reduction.
• Monitor food costs, portion control and kitchen productivity to maintain business targets.
• Ensure the kitchen is adequately prepared and organised for daily service, particularly during busy periods.
• Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene and workplace cleanliness.
• Assist with kitchen rostering and labour management.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflow, operational efficiency and team performance.

About you

• Previous experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager or similar leadership role.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to confidently manage a busy kitchen.
• Comfortable leading, training and holding a team accountable.
• Understanding of food costs, stock management, portion control and labour efficiency.
• Experience implementing and maintaining kitchen systems and procedures.
• Practical, organised and proactive in solving problems.
• Ability to maintain high standards of food quality and consistency under pressure.
• Hands‑on and actively involved in day‑to‑day kitchen operations.
• Takes ownership of responsibilities and leads by example.
• Interested in contributing to a growing business and helping shape a positive team culture.

About us

Bertas is a busy, fast‑paced deli based in Marrickville. We're focused on producing consistently great food, delivering efficient service and creating a positive working environment for our team. As we continue to grow, we're looking for an experienced Head Chef to take ownership of our kitchen operations and help us maintain the standards, consistency and efficiency that our business relies on.

Daytime hours, no nights!

Enjoy your evenings and a better work‑life balance.

Consistent Wednesday‑Sunday roster

with Mondays and Tuesdays off every week.

Competitive salary package

based on experience.

Genuine ownership and autonomy

to lead the kitchen, manage your team and make the role your own.

Career growth opportunities

within an ambitious and expanding hospitality business.

An established, thriving business

with strong systems and a clear vision for the future.