Head Chef / Senior Sous Chef

Southern Forests Employment Hub; Bunbury, Pemberton; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation options available

Competitive package

Job summary

Manjimup Gateway Hotel & Pemberton Hotel in the Southern Forests, WA, is seeking a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef to lead the day-to-day kitchen operations across two busy hotels.

You will oversee a hands-on service, manage staff, control costs and maintain high standards of food quality in a supportive, growth-focused hospitality group. Accommodation options are available and the role offers a competitive package.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in commercial kitchens.
• Experience in a supervisory or kitchen leadership position.
• Strong cooking skills and the ability to confidently manage busy services.
• Experience with modern Australian cuisine, pub dining and/or Italian cuisine.
• Solid understanding of food costing, stock control and kitchen organisation.
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop a multicultural team.
• Good communication skills and a professional, reliable approach.
• Flexibility, initiative and a genuine passion for hospitality.
• Formal culinary qualifications will be highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficient and consistent service.
• Supervise, train and develop kitchen staff, creating a positive and productive working environment.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Manage food costs, portion control, stock levels and waste reduction.
• Oversee ordering, supplier relationships and inventory management.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety standards.
• Work closely with hotel management to improve kitchen performance, productivity and profitability.
• Take ownership of kitchen organisation, cleanliness, equipment care and operational standards.

Skills

Leadership

Cooking skills

Food costing

Team leadership

Communication skills

Education

Culinary qualifications

Job description

Head Chef / Senior Sous Chef

Manjimup Gateway Hotel & Pemberton Hotel | Southern Forests, Western Australia

Full-Time | $100,000–$110,000 Package | Accommodation Options Available

About Us

We are looking for an experienced and motivated Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef to take on a key leadership role within our hospitality group, operating two established hotels in the beautiful Southern Forests region of Western Australia.

The Manjimup Gateway Hotel and Pemberton Hotel are busy, year-round hospitality venues offering accommodation, restaurants and bars to both locals and visitors in the heart of the Southern Forests.

With a strong tourism industry, access to exceptional local produce and continued investment in our venues, we are focused on building high-performing kitchen teams and delivering quality dining experiences.

Our food offering combines modern Australian elevated pub dining with Italian-inspired cuisine, with a focus on fresh ingredients, consistency, generous hospitality and well-executed dishes.

We are a young, international and ambitious management team, committed to improving our venues and providing genuine opportunities for professional development.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a capable and passionate kitchen professional ready to take ownership of the day-to-day operations of one of our two kitchens.

Depending on your experience, skills and career ambitions, the position may be offered as Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef, with placement at either the Manjimup Gateway Hotel or Pemberton Hotel.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced chef looking to step into a senior leadership position, or an established Head Chef seeking a fresh challenge in a supportive and growing hospitality business.

You will receive an initial period of training and support from our management team to become familiar with our systems, operational standards and expectations before progressively taking on more responsibility for your kitchen.

We are looking for someone who enjoys being hands-on during service but also understands the importance of organisation, team leadership and running a commercially successful kitchen.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily kitchen operations, ensuring efficient and consistent service.
• Supervise, train and develop kitchen staff, creating a positive and productive working environment.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Manage food costs, portion control, stock levels and waste reduction.
• Oversee ordering, supplier relationships and inventory management.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and workplace health and safety standards.
• Work closely with hotel management to improve kitchen performance, productivity and profitability.
• Take ownership of kitchen organisation, cleanliness, equipment care and operational standards.

About You

• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in commercial kitchens.
• Previous experience in a supervisory or kitchen leadership position.
• Strong cooking skills and the ability to confidently manage busy services.
• Experience with modern Australian cuisine, pub dining and/or Italian cuisine.
• A solid understanding of food costing, stock control and kitchen organisation.
• The ability to lead, motivate and develop a multicultural team.
• Good communication skills and a professional, reliable approach.
• Flexibility, initiative and a genuine passion for hospitality.
• Formal culinary qualifications will be highly regarded, although strong practical experience and proven leadership ability are equally important.

What We Offer

• Competitive package of $100,000–$110,000, depending on experience and responsibilities.
• Full-time salaried employment, based on 38 ordinary hours per week plus reasonable additional hours where applicable.
• The opportunity to lead and develop your own kitchen team.
• Initial training and ongoing support from an experienced management team.
• Genuine input into menu development and kitchen improvements.
• Access to quality local ingredients from one of WA’s most productive food-growing regions.
• Modern kitchen facilities, including a recently renovated and newly equipped kitchen at the Pemberton Hotel.
• Accommodation options that can be discussed with suitable candidates.
• Long-term career opportunities within a growing hospitality group.
• A supportive, international and motivated working environment.

Living in the Southern Forests

Located approximately 3.5–4 hours south of Perth, Manjimup and Pemberton offer a fantastic lifestyle for anyone looking to escape the city without giving up a rewarding hospitality career.

The region is renowned for its towering forests, wineries, truffles, fresh produce and natural beauty, attracting visitors throughout the year.

For a passionate chef, it offers the chance to work with outstanding local ingredients while enjoying a more relaxed regional lifestyle.

Visa & Sponsorship Opportunities

We welcome applications from candidates who are currently residing in Australia and hold valid working rights.

For suitable candidates, future employer sponsorship opportunities may be considered, subject to eligibility, business requirements and applicable immigration regulations.

We currently sponsor more than 10 staff members across our hospitality group and have experience supporting eligible employees through the sponsorship process.