Head Chef, Premium Chinese Dining Concept, North Sydney

Hastings People; Sydney; On-site; AUD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Hastings People is sourcing a Head Chef for an intimate premium Chinese dining concept in North Sydney. You will lead culinary direction, crafting Cantonese and Sichuan dining experiences that balance tradition with contemporary refinement.

Working with senior leadership, the role offers creative ownership, menu identity development and high standards of execution. You will mentor a kitchen team and engage guests with an open kitchen theatre.

Qualifications

• Exceptional technical expertise in Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine with traditional techniques, ingredients and flavour development.
• Premium Chinese restaurant experience or luxury hospitality background.
• Refined culinary aesthetic balancing authenticity with innovation and presentation.

Responsibilities

• Conceive and execute a distinctive Cantonese and Sichuan menu.
• Lead development of signature dishes, tasting experiences and menus.
• Build and mentor a high-performing kitchen team with standards of craftsmanship.
• Oversee kitchen operations, ingredient selection and cost controls.
• Engage guests from an open kitchen, presenting dishes with confidence.

Skills

Cantonese cuisine

Sichuan cuisine

Menu development

Leadership

Staff mentoring

Job description

Head Chef, Premium Chinese Dining Concept, North Sydney

Our client is an established hospitality group recognised for creating distinctive dining destinations where exceptional cuisine, considered design and genuine hospitality come together. With a commitment to delivering elevated guest experiences, the group is preparing to unveil an intimate Chinese restaurant in North Sydney, bringing together refined regional cuisine, contemporary sophistication and an exclusive private dining experience.

Client Profile

Our client is an established hospitality group recognised for creating distinctive dining destinations where exceptional cuisine, considered design and genuine hospitality come together. With a commitment to delivering elevated guest experiences, the group is preparing to unveil an intimate Chinese restaurant in North Sydney, bringing together refined regional cuisine, contemporary sophistication and an exclusive private dining experience.

Job Description

An exceptional opportunity exists for an accomplished Head Chef to lead the culinary direction of a sophisticated new dining concept celebrating the depth, diversity and craftsmanship of Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine.

Designed to accommodate both discerning private dining clientele and restaurant guests, the venue will offer an intimate, highly personalised dining experience. The culinary offering will balance the authenticity of traditional Chinese cooking with the precision, elegance and creativity expected of a premium contemporary restaurant.

Working closely with senior leadership, the successful candidate will enjoy considerable creative autonomy in developing the menu, defining the culinary identity and establishing the standards that will underpin the restaurant's reputation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conceive and execute a distinctive culinary offering that celebrates Cantonese and Sichuan traditions, incorporating refined dim sum, exceptional barbecue preparations and sophisticated regional specialities.

• Lead the development of signature dishes, tasting experiences and menus that demonstrate technical precision, authenticity and thoughtful presentation.

• Build, mentor and inspire a dedicated culinary team, fostering an uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship, consistency and excellence.

• Oversee all aspects of kitchen operations, ensuring exceptional standards of execution, ingredient selection and commercial performance.

• Contribute to the theatre of the dining experience through an engaging open kitchen, confidently presenting dishes and connecting with guests.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking a highly accomplished Chinese cuisine specialist with the technical mastery, creative sensibility and leadership presence to establish a truly distinctive dining experience.

The ideal candidate will possess a deep appreciation for the heritage and complexity of Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine, complemented by experience in refined restaurant environments. Equally important will be an understanding of contemporary luxury hospitality and the ability to translate culinary expertise into a memorable and cohesive guest experience.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Exceptional technical expertise in Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine, with a sophisticated understanding of traditional techniques, ingredients and flavour development.

• Proven experience in premium Chinese restaurants, luxury hospitality or highly regarded dining establishments.

• A refined culinary aesthetic, balancing authenticity with innovation, precision and elegant presentation.

• Strong leadership credentials, with the ability to develop a high-performing kitchen team and establish exceptional operational standards.

• A confident, engaging personality and the ability to collaborate with senior stakeholders while contributing meaningfully to the guest experience.

Offer

This is a rare opportunity to play a defining role in the creation of a premium Chinese dining destination, supported by an established hospitality group with an ambitious vision for the venue.

The successful candidate will enjoy genuine creative ownership, the opportunity to shape a restaurant from its inception and the platform to establish a distinctive culinary identity within Sydney's evolving dining landscape.