Regional Chef

Opal Healthcare; Katoomba; On-site; AUD 95,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent full-time

Salary $95,000–$100,000 AUD per annum

12% superannuation

Visa sponsorship

Relocation assistance

Parental leave

Professional development through Opal

Scholarships up to $15,000

Career progression

Referral bonus $5,000

Job summary

Opal HealthCare in the Blue Mountains, NSW, seeks a Regional Chef to lead our hospitality team and deliver nutritious, high‑quality meals across communities. You will mentor staff and drive our food philosophy daily.

The role emphasizes creating seasonal menus, meeting dietary needs, and upholding food safety and WHS standards, with visa sponsorship and relocation support available for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Food Safety Supervisor certification is required.
• Experience leading kitchen or hospitality teams.
• Ability to deliver outstanding food and customer experiences.
• Strong leadership, coaching and people-management skills.
• Knowledge of food safety, WHS and kitchen compliance.
• Excellent organisational, communication and time management skills.
• Willingness to complete pre-employment medical, Police Check and NDIS Worker Screening Check.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire the catering team to deliver exceptional dining experiences.
• Plan and prepare nutritious, high-quality meals meeting resident preferences and dietary requirements.
• Create seasonal menus and contribute to engaging dining experiences for residents.
• Coach and develop kitchen team members through mentoring and on-the-job training.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, infection control, and workplace safety requirements.
• Manage ordering, stock control, and catering budgets to minimise waste and maximise value.
• Build positive relationships with residents and families to understand their dining preferences.
• Drive continuous improvement across hospitality services and resident satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Food safety

WHS knowledge

Communication

Time management

Collaboration

Pre-employment checks

Job description

"At Opal HealthCare, we know that companies don't succeed, people do."
Our purpose is to bring joy to those we care for and our values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence reflect that C.A.R.E is at the heart of everything we do. Opal HealthCare is one of Australia's leading private aged care providers, with over 149 Care Communities, caring for more than 14,000 residents and supporting over 23,000 team members nationwide.

About the Role

We're looking for a passionate and experienced Regional Chef to lead our hospitality team and create exceptional dining experiences for our residents. You'll play a key role in delivering nutritious, high-quality meals while leading kitchen operations, mentoring team members, and bringing our food philosophy to life every day.

Why Blue Mountains?

Experience life in the beautiful Blue Mountains, NSW, renowned for its dramatic scenery, lush bushland, welcoming community, and relaxed regional lifestyle.

What You'll Do

• Lead and inspire the catering team to deliver exceptional dining experiences
• Plan and prepare nutritious, high-quality meals that meet resident preferences and dietary requirements
• Create seasonal menus and contribute to engaging food experiences for residents
• Coach and develop kitchen team members through mentoring and on-the-job training
• Ensure compliance with food safety, infection control, and workplace safety requirements
• Manage ordering, stock control, and catering budgets to minimise waste and maximise value
• Build positive relationships with residents and families to understand their dining preferences
• Drive continuous improvement across hospitality services and resident satisfaction

Benefits & Rewards

• Permanent full-time opportunity
• Salary Range: $95,000 - $100,000 per annum
• Competitive salary package plus 12% superannuation
• Visa Sponsorship available and relocation assistance
• Paid parental leave and flexible public holiday options
• Ongoing learning and development through the Opal HealthCare Academy
• Scholarships of up to $15,000 for further study
• State and national career progression opportunities
• Team Member discounts, wellbeing programs and recognition initiatives
• $5,000 referral bonus for eligible referrals
• Industry-leading systems, technology and innovation
• Supportive leadership team and rewarding career pathways

What You'll Bring

• Food Safety Supervisor certification
• Previous experience leading kitchen or hospitality teams
• Passion for delivering outstanding food and customer experiences
• Strong leadership, coaching, and people management skills
• Sound understanding of food safety, WHS, and kitchen compliance requirements
• Excellent organisational, communication, and time management skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to complete:
• Pre-employment medical
• Police Check
• NDIS Worker Screening Check

Make a Meaningful Move

Join a team that values your expertise, supports your growth, and empowers you to create memorable dining experiences for residents every day.