Head Chef | Paddington Ale House

Open Door Pub Co. Pty LTD; Perth; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus up to $20K paid quarterly

Free onsite parking

Staff discounts across AVC

Career opportunities within leading-h"

Australian Venue Co. family

Job summary

Paddington Ale House is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a high-volume kitchen, shape menus and mentor a young team. This hands-on role offers creative freedom to elevate the food offering while maintaining top quality and safety standards.

You will manage costs, mentor staff, and drive events and seasonal specials in a busy venue known for live entertainment and AFL/UFC sports catering. Competitive salary with a substantial annual bonus.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience as a Head Chef or in a similar leadership role.
• Experience leading high-volume kitchen operations.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of food and labour costs.

Responsibilities

• Leading all day-to-day kitchen operations
• Inspiring, developing and mentoring a young kitchen team
• Driving menu development, seasonal specials and event offerings
• Managing food costs, labour and kitchen performance
• Delivering exceptional food quality and consistency
• Maintaining high food safety and compliance standards
• Working closely with venue leadership to grow the food business

Skills

Head Chef

Kitchen leadership

High-volume operations

Menu development

Food cost management

Job description

Are you a passionate Head Chef ready to lead a high-performing kitchen and make your mark on an iconic venue? Paddington Ale House has been a favourite of the Mt Hawthorn community for years, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere, quality food and vibrant entertainment. With a loyal local following, live entertainment every Friday and Saturday and a reputation as a go-to destination for AFL, UFC and major sporting events, there's never a dull moment. We're looking for an experienced Head Chef to take the reins of our busy kitchen, inspire a young and enthusiastic team and continue driving the venue's food offering to new heights.

About the role

This is a hands-on leadership position overseeing a high-volume kitchen where food is a key driver of the business. You'll have the opportunity to shape seasonal menus, create exciting specials, lead functions and events, and mentor a team that's eager to learn and grow.

Responsibilities

• Leading all day-to-day kitchen operations
• Inspiring, developing and mentoring a young kitchen team
• Driving menu development, seasonal specials and event offerings
• Managing food costs, labour and kitchen performance
• Delivering exceptional food quality and consistency
• Maintaining high food safety and compliance standards
• Working closely with venue leadership to continue growing the food business

About you

• Minimum 2 years' experience as a Head Chef or in a similar leadership role
• Experience leading high-volume kitchen operations
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of food and labour costs
• A passion for coaching and developing kitchen teams
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• A creative mindset with the ability to introduce fresh ideas and seasonal innovation

Why join us?

• Competitive salary + annual bonus of up to $20K paid quarterly
• Lead one of Perth's most recognised hospitality venues
• Creative freedom to influence menus, specials and events
• High-volume, fast-paced operation with consistent year-round trade
• Diverse menu featuring premium pub classics, steaks, seafood and seasonal dishes
• Busy functions and catering opportunities
• Modern kitchen with continued investment
• Free onsite parking
• Staff discounts across Australian Venue Co.
• Genuine long-term career opportunities within one of Australia's leading hospitality groups

Australian Venue Co. promotes a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion through programs like AVC Pride for LGBTQIA+ support, Her Hospo for empowering women, and a First Nations Committee for reconciliation.

We are committed to growing our understanding and engagement in diversity, equity and inclusion to build a more inclusive industry.