Head Chef - The Armidale Hotel

Feros Hotel Group; Sydney; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous staff discounts

Ongoing training

Clear career progression

Job summary

Armidale Hotel, part of the Feros Group, is seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen and be the face of our food in the community. You will oversee the entire kitchen operation, from menu design to food quality, cost control and supplier relations, ensuring a memorable guest experience.

You will manage a team of 20+ staff, foster development, and maintain a positive, growth-focused work environment while collaborating with Venue Management to deliver exceptional dining experiences.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen in a large pub environment.
• Proven ability to manage a kitchen team of 20+ staff.
• Strong budgeting, cost control, and operational planning.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations and service flow.
• Lead, mentor and develop the kitchen team for excellence.
• Design and implement creative menus with local produce.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, presentation and consistency.
• Monitor food costs and coordinate stock management and purchasing.
• Ensure Health & Safety and HACCP compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Staff management

Operational skills

Communication

Job description

The Feros Group has been shaping hospitality since the early 1970s. With 10 thriving destinations across the Sutherland Shire, Sydney CBD and NSW South Coast — and more on the horizon — we’re known for creating venues where community, family values, and memorable guest experiences come first.

About Armidale Hotel

Armidale Hotel will be the town's new social hub, bringing together great food, live entertainment, sport, family-friendly experiences, and community focused hospitality.

Set to open in December 2026, Armidale Hotel will feature:

A family-friendly bistro and bar

Spacious kids' play area

Dedicated sports bar

As part of the kitchen team, you'll have the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, professionally run environment that values quality, consistency, and teamwork. Our menu will celebrate hearty pub favourites, seasonal specials, family dining, and fresh local produce, creating an exciting platform for chefs and cooks who are passionate about delivering exceptional food.

The Role

Sick and tired of the city hustle & wanting to experience a change of pace? This opportunity could be just what you are looking for!

We're seeking an experienced Head Chef to take charge of Armidale Hotel kitchen team & be the face of our food amongst the community. You'll be responsible for the overall management of the kitchen, including:

Leadership & Operations

Oversee daily food service operations, ensuring smooth and efficient workflow.

Lead, mentor, and develop the kitchen team to achieve excellence.

Foster a positive, growth-focused work environment.

Work closely with Venue Management to deliver a seamless guest experience.

Menu & Food Quality

Design and implement creative, on-trend menus that delight guests alongside our Food team.

Maintain exceptional standards of food preparation, presentation, and consistency.

Monitor and refine cooking techniques in line with Feros Group guidelines.

Develop strong relationships with local suppliers so our menu can showcase the local produce.

Cost & Inventory Management

Maintain food costs within budget through careful planning and control.

Complete accurate menu costings prior to dish launches.

Coordinate daily food requirements, purchasing, and stock management.

Support the development of annual budgets and manage expenditure accordingly.

Health, Safety & Compliance

Ensure the kitchen meets all Health & Safety and HACCP requirements.

Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant working environment.

About You

To be successful in this role you will be an experienced Head Chef who is a natural leader. You'll understand what it means to develop and deliver a vision for the venue. You will understand how to develop a strong and vibrant kitchen culture.

You bring:

• 2-3 years' experience managing a large-scale pub format
• Proven experience in managing a kitchen team of 20+ staff
• A professional presence with a passion for food & delivering outstanding customer experiences.
• Strong financial management and operational skills
• Excellent communication, organisation, and problem-solving abilities

Sponsorship opportunity available for the successful candidate.

Why Join Us

At Feros Group, we believe in rewarding and growing our people. You'll enjoy:

• Generous staff discounts across all venues
• Ongoing training & development opportunities
• Clear pathways for career progression - we promote from within