Head Chef – Lead High-Volume Kitchen & Creative Menus

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

Benefits offered by this job

40% discount at Panthers-owned outlets

20% merchandise discount

Accommodation and entertainment perks

Wellbeing Leave

Staff events

Job summary

Panthers Port Macquarie is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and elevate the dining experience for members and guests. You will own day-to-day operations, drive menu development and maintain strict quality and cost controls in a busy hospitality setting.

You will mentor chefs, balance creativity with commercial realities, and work with management to refine menus, systems and service while building a culture of teamwork and accountability.

Qualifications

• Significant senior kitchen leadership experience.
• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing kitchen teams.
• Strong knowledge of food costing, stock control and rostering.
• Deep understanding of food safety, hygiene and compliance requirements.

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 high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Manage food costs, stock control, ordering, wastage and kitchen productivity.
• Coordinate kitchen rosters and staffing for efficient service.
• Uphold food safety, hygiene and WHS compliance.
• Foster a positive, professional kitchen culture.
• Recruit and train chefs and kitchen staff.
• Collaborate with management and front-of-house for seamless service.
• Lead from the front during peak services.

Skills

Senior kitchen leadership

Team leadership

Food costing

Stock control

Food safety & hygiene

Menu development

High-volume hospitality

Communication skills

Calm under pressure

Education

Commercial Cookery Trade Qualification

Job description

Panthers Port Macquarie is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and elevate the dining experience for members and guests. You will own day-to-day operations, drive menu development and maintain strict quality and cost controls in a busy hospitality setting.

You will mentor chefs, balance creativity with commercial realities, and work with management to refine menus, systems and service while building a culture of teamwork and accountability.