Head Chef - Okami Penrith

OKAMI PENRITH PTY LTD; Penrith City Council; On-site; AUD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

OKAMI Japanese Restaurant in Penrith, NSW, seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen operations. This full-time, permanent role offers a salary range of $75,000–$85,000 per year and focuses on high-quality Japanese cuisine, menu development, and strong hygiene standards.

You will manage food preparation, quality control, staff supervision, inventory, and cost controls while working with management to create seasonal menus aligned with our brand.

Qualifications

• Certificate III in Cookery or equivalent is required.
• Certificate IV in Cookery or equivalent is required.
• Diploma in Hospitality Management or equivalent is required.
• At least 1 year’s experience as a Head Chef.

Responsibilities

• Managing general kitchen operations and ensuring efficient kitchen performance during peak service times.
• Cooking to orders by applying different cooking techniques and supervising food preparation during service.
• Preparing, seasoning and overseeing the preparation of a range of ingredients for various dishes.
• Following and maintaining recipes and portion controls, and adjusting to customers' requirements where necessary.
• Monitoring the temperatures of cooking and refrigeration equipment to ensure food safety and quality.
• Contributing to menu planning and developing special dishes in accordance with Head Office standards and operational requirements.
• Checking the daily preparation list at the start of each shift to ensure ingredients and products are sufficient for service.
• Managing stock, food procurement and kitchen budgets to meet operational targets.
• Ensuring adherence to safety, hygiene and food quality regulations and standards.
• Interviewing, hiring, training and supervising kitchen staff, and ensuring proper kitchen procedures are followed.
• Managing kitchen staff rosters and arranging replacement staff where required.

Skills

Japanese cuisine

Leadership

Kitchen management

Food safety

Menu planning

Team supervision

Education

Certificate III in Cookery

Certificate IV in Cookery

Diploma in Hospitality Management or equivalent

Job description

Job Type: Permanent position | Full time position

Job Description

Head Chef Okami Penrith Penrith NSW 2750 Job Type: Full time Salary range: $75,000-85,000 At OKAMI Japanese Restaurant, we offer an extensive array of traditional Japanese cuisine. Our guests enjoy a diverse menu that includes everything from sushi and sashimi to tempura and teriyaki, all made with high-quality ingredients.

Our commitment to culinary excellence provides a delightful journey through Japanese gastronomy. We are currently seeking an experienced Head Chef to join our team. You will be dedicated to culinary arts and eager to contribute to an extraordinary dining experience.

As the leader in the kitchen, you will manage the overall operation of the kitchen, including food preparation, quality control, and kitchen staff supervision. You will ensure that all dishes are prepared to the highest standards of taste, presentation, and consistency while maintaining strict hygiene and safety standards. In addition, you will manage inventory, control food costs, coordinate food supplies, and work closely with management to create seasonal menus that reflect our brand’s vision.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Managing general kitchen operations and ensuring efficient kitchen performance during peak service times.
• Cooking to orders by applying different cooking techniques and supervising food preparation during service.
• Preparing, seasoning and overseeing the preparation of a range of ingredients for various dishes.
• Following and maintaining recipes and portion controls, and adjusting to customers' requirements where necessary.
• Monitoring the temperatures of cooking and refrigeration equipment to ensure food safety and quality.
• Contributing to menu planning and developing special dishes in accordance with Head Office standards and operational requirements.
• Checking the daily preparation list at the start of each shift to ensure ingredients and products are sufficient for service.
• Managing stock, food procurement and kitchen budgets to meet operational targets.
• Ensuring adherence to safety, hygiene and food quality regulations and standards.
• Interviewing, hiring, training and supervising kitchen staff, and ensuring proper kitchen procedures are followed.
• Managing kitchen staff rosters and arranging replacement staff where required.

Required Qualification and Experience

• Relevant qualifications such as Certificate III and IV in Cookery and a Diploma in Hospitality Management or equivalent.
• At least 1 years’ experience as a Head Chef.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Proven experience in Japanese cuisine, with deep understanding of traditional and contemporary styles.
• Excellent proficiency in cutting, preparation, and cooking techniques, ensuring consistency and precision.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities to motivate and guide kitchen staff effectively.
• Proactive, energetic, and passionate about delivering exceptional culinary experiences in the hospitality industry.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the team.

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