Head Chef – The Birkenhead Tavern

Duxton Group; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Exclusive staff discounts across ALH/W

Wellbeing and employee support

Job summary

Duxton Group is seeking an experienced Head Chef for the Birkenhead Tavern in Adelaide. You will lead day-to-day kitchen operations, shaping a food offering that keeps guests returning and driving a strong kitchen culture.

Lead pub favourites with seasonal dishes, balance creativity with consistency, and ensure efficient service while mentoring the team and controlling costs. This hands-on role rewards leadership and culinary excellence.

Qualifications

• Experience as Head Chef or senior kitchen leader.
• Passion for quality pub food and consistent execution.
• Strong leadership and hands-on management.
• Ability to manage food costs, stock, and operations.
• Excellent food safety and hygiene knowledge.
• Clear communication during busy services.
• Commitment to a positive, respectful team culture.

Responsibilities

• Develop menus that appeal to guests, balancing pub favourites with seasonal ideas.
• Lead organised, efficient kitchen operations through prep and service.
• Train, support and motivate the kitchen team.
• Maintain consistent food quality, presentation and portions.
• Manage food costs, ordering, stock control and wastage.
• Work with venue management and front-of-house for guest experience.
• Maintain food safety, hygiene and cleanliness standards.
• Bring fresh ideas to improve the menu and processes.

Skills

Leadership

Food cost management

Menu development

Communication

Hands-on cooking

Job description

Great pub food. A strong team. A kitchen you can make your own.

We’re looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead the kitchen team at the Birkenhead Tavern.

If you’re passionate about quality food, take pride in running a well-organised kitchen and enjoy bringing out the best in your team, we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role

As Head Chef, you’ll lead the day-to-day kitchen operations and help shape a food offering that keeps guests coming back.

From well-executed pub favourites to fresh seasonal dishes, you’ll balance creativity with consistency, deliver efficient service and build a kitchen culture where people feel supported and take pride in their work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Developing menus that appeal to our guests, combining pub favourites with seasonal ideas;
• Leading organised, efficient kitchen operations through preparation and service;
• Training, supporting and motivating the kitchen team;
• Maintaining consistent food quality, presentation and portion control;
• Managing food costs, ordering, stock control and wastage;
• Working closely with venue management and the front‑of‑house team to deliver a great guest experience;
• Maintaining food safety, hygiene and kitchen cleanliness standards; and
• Bringing fresh ideas to improve the menu, kitchen processes and team performance.

About You

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or senior kitchen leader;
• A passion for quality pub food and consistent execution;
• Strong leadership skills and a practical, hands‑on approach;
• Confidence managing food costs, stock and kitchen operations;
• Excellent food safety and hygiene knowledge;
• The ability to stay calm, organised and communicate clearly during busy services; and
• A commitment to creating a positive, respectful team culture.

What We Offer

Join a hospitality group committed to the long-term success of its people and venues.

We offer:

• Competitive remuneration;
• Exclusive family and friends discounts; and
• A supportive and encouraging environment to grow your hospitality career.

Duxton Pubs operates venues across regional and metropolitan South Australia, offering opportunities to develop your skills and build your future in hospitality.

Salary

From $85,000 + superannuation + bonus

Inherent Requirements

This is a hands‑on role that involves manual handling and lifting as part of regular duties (e.g. moving stock, kegs, and deliveries). Applicants must have the ability to perform physical tasks safely and efficiently.

Benefits

Grow your career within ALH Hotels and the wider Endeavour Group network. An exclusive discount card for ALH Hotels, BWS, Dan Murphy’s and other Endeavour Group brands. Through our partnership with Woolworths, you'll also enjoy discounts at Woolies supermarkets and BIG W. Endeavour Wellbeing Support; our EAP service offers critical incident support, career, conflict, nutrition and lifestyle, money, family, legal and employee assistance.

Compliance

In line with our ongoing commitment to responsibility, candidates will be required to complete Employee Due Diligence checks which may include a National Police Check as part of the recruitment process.