Head Chef – Private Dining & Events Lead

Argyle House Camden; Camden; On-site; AUD 117,000 - 143,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Staff development

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Argyle House Camden is looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead day-to-day kitchen operations in a high-volume, function-driven venue. You will own food cost control, staff rostering, and menu development with the Executive Chef, ensuring premium dining standards across events.

Weekend functions, weddings and events form core trade; you’ll mentor a team, uphold food safety, and drive consistent presentation across set menus and à la carte offerings in a celebrated heritage venue.

Qualifications

• Senior kitchen experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of food costing and margins.
• Proven ability to manage a busy, function-driven venue.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support kitchen staff across daily service, private functions and events, working closely with the Executive Chef.
• Manage food costs, portion control and stock levels, and liaise with suppliers to protect margins without compromising quality.
• Plan and contribute to menus, including set menus for functions and the à la carte offering.
• Oversee food preparation, cooking and plating to a consistently high standard.
• Maintain full compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations as the venue's Food Safety Supervisor.
• Roster, train and mentor kitchen staff, and manage kitchen operations across weekends and peak trading periods.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe kitchen in line with WHS requirements.

Skills

Leadership

Food costing

Supplier management

Staff training

Menu development

HACCP / Food safety

Education

Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

Job description

Argyle House Camden is looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead day-to-day kitchen operations in a high-volume, function-driven venue. You will own food cost control, staff rostering, and menu development with the Executive Chef, ensuring premium dining standards across events.

Weekend functions, weddings and events form core trade; you’ll mentor a team, uphold food safety, and drive consistent presentation across set menus and à la carte offerings in a celebrated heritage venue.