Head Chef | Taronga Zoo

Trippas White Group; Australia; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Trippas White Group seeks an experienced Head Chef to lead a high-volume retail kitchen for Taronga Zoo Sydney. The role combines quick service execution with event catering, delivering signature dishes while managing budgets and staff.

You will report to the Executive Chef Taronga Zoo and collaborate with the Retail Operations Manager to refresh outlets, design menus, and maintain HACCP compliance across on-site venues such as Taronga Food Market, Saltwater Bistro, and Forage & Graze cafe.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years Head Chef experience in a Quick Service environment.
• Ability to be the face of the kitchen, create signature dishes, use local produce.
• Extensive experience working in a fast paced multi outlet environment.
• Ability to achieve business goals, financial budgets and service standards.
• Assist in the design and cost for cafe, dining, and special events menus.
• Strong creativity and ability to develop and coach a team.
• Clear communication and excellent customer service skills.
• Experience in implementing HACCP compliant workplace practices.
• Passion for fresh local produce and quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen for Taronga Zoo partnership across Quick Service outlets and major events.
• Design, cost and manage menus for Taronga Food Market, Saltwater Bistro, and related venues.
• Own kitchen operations, staffing, and vendor relationships.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef Taronga Zoo and Retail Operations Manager.

Skills

Head Chef

Quick Service

Menu design

Costing & budgets

Team leadership

Food safety HACCP

Local produce

Multi-outlet experience

Job description

Trippas White Group (TWG) is proud to announce the continuation of its partnership with Taronga Zoo Sydney, having retained the Catering Services contract for another seven years. This new era gives TWG the opportunity to showcase its breadth and depth to help create a world-leading hospitality experience at Taronga. Central to the partnership is commitment from TWG to refresh on-site outlets and create new guest dining experiences. To help us drive this, we are seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead our Retail team. Our venues are large retail high-volume outlets operating 365 days a year.

Be part of something big!

Trippas White Group operates from premium locations such as the Taronga Zoo Sydney, Sydney Opera House, Centennial Parklands, Sydney Tower, Royal Botanic Gardens, Australian Institute of Sport, Canberra Grammar School and Singapore Airlines Lounges. We take great care that our services meet the status and expectations of these prominent, iconic landmarks. Working for Trippas White Group not only means experience at one premium venue but opens endless possibilities to a vast array of food concepts across Australia.

We want you!

We are seeking an experienced, creative Head Chef to join our company and lead a dedicated and passionate kitchen team for this new and exciting partnership with Taronga Zoo. You will be delivering exceptional food in the Quick Service styled outlets as well as for Taronga Zoo's Major Event program.

This role will report directly to the Executive Chef, Taronga Zoo and will work closely with the Retail Operations Manager. You will play a vital part in the business planning process, mobilisation as well as designing and creating menus that fit the various outlets located on site such as Taronga Food Market, Saltwater Bistro, Taronga Special Event program and Forage & Graze café. You will take full ownership of the kitchen, menu and staffing.

About You

• Have a minimum 3-5 years Head Chef experience in a Quick Service Environment - managing and leading a professional kitchen
• Ability to be the face of the kitchen, create signature dishes, use local produce providers
• Extensive experience working in a fast paced multi outlet environment
• The ability to achieve business goals, financial budgets and service standards
• Ability to assist in the design and cost for cafe, dining, and special events menus
• Strong creativity and ability to think outside the box while coaching and developing a team
• Flexible and willing attitude, clear communication and customer service skills
• Exceptional grooming and pride in presentation
• Managing associated kitchen costs including food and wages, recruitment of staff and general administration duties
• Knowledge and passion about fresh local food produce and quality
• Experience in compliance and maintenance of a fully HACCP approved workplace and industry standard & safe work practices.

Trippas White Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous and First Nations Australians to apply.