Head Chef – Lead a High-Volume, Innovative Kitchen

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

Benefits offered by this job

40% dining discount

Merchandise discount

Accommodation & entertainment offers

Wellbeing leave

Purchased annual leave

Job summary

Panthers Port Macquarie is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team, drive quality and consistency, and bring fresh energy and ideas to our food offering. This hands-on leadership role will guide a diverse team across restaurant, bistro, functions and events, balancing creativity with commercial realities.

You’ll work closely with management to continually improve menus, systems and service while building a kitchen culture of teamwork, accountability and pride.

Qualifications

• Senior kitchen leadership experience required.
• Commercial Cookery Trade Qualification essential.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams.

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 food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Manage food costs, stock control, wastage and productivity.
• Coordinate kitchen rosters and workforce requirements.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene and WHS compliance.
• Recruit, train and develop chefs and kitchen staff.

Skills

Head Chef experience

Leadership

Menu development

Food cost control

Education

Commercial Cookery Trade Qualification

Job description

Panthers Port Macquarie is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team, drive quality and consistency, and bring fresh energy and ideas to our food offering. This hands-on leadership role will guide a diverse team across restaurant, bistro, functions and events, balancing creativity with commercial realities.

You’ll work closely with management to continually improve menus, systems and service while building a kitchen culture of teamwork, accountability and pride.