Head Chef - Ascott Gardens

UPA External; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Not-for-profit salary packaging

Wellness Program

Employee Assistance Program

Retention bonus

Flexible working arrangements

Education support

Community impact

Job summary

The United Protestant Association of NSW Limited (UPA) is recruiting a Head Chef for Ascott Gardens, a 78-bed aged care facility in Orange. You will lead Chefs, Cooks and Food Services Assistants to ensure high-quality meals and compliant kitchen operations across all shifts.

Applicants should hold a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management or equivalent, with at least two years in a senior kitchen role, and a Food Safety Supervisor certificate.

Qualifications

• Possession of a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (SIT40521) or Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (SIT40516), or an equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Chef or Cook Manager, preferably in aged care or similar environment.
• Completion of Food Safety Supervisor Certificate per NSW Food Authority requirements.
• Excellent understanding of HACCP & Food Safety legislative requirements.

Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, cook and present a variety of meals.
• Ensure meals meet residents' dietary needs, preferences and cultural requirements.
• Maintain compliance with policies, Food Safety Programs and relevant standards.
• Manage budgets, stock, menus and staff performance.

Skills

Kitchen management

Chef leadership

Food safety

HACCP knowledge

Budget management

Menu planning

Staff supervision

Communication

Education

Certificate IV in Kitchen Management

Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery

Job description

HEAD CHEF

The Organisation

The United Protestant Association of NSW Limited ("UPA") is a values-driven non-profit care organisation serving local communities throughout NSW, with a vision of always ensuring we have “our people by our side”. With a staff compliment of 1400 and a turnover in excess of $100M, UPA is a non-profit Company limited by guarantee.

Our services include: -

• Residential Aged Care
• Home Care Services
• Retirement Villages

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Head Chef to join our team at Ascott Gardens a 78-bed aged care living facility located in Orange.

This full-time role is a great opportunity for you to lead and manage at team consisting of Chefs, Cooks and a team of Food Services Assistants to ensure the smooth, efficient and high-quality delivery of all food services within the facility.

Typical work hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Duties will include (but not limited to): -

• Planning, preparation, cooking and presentation of a variety of meals
• Providing meals that are nutritious, appealing and aligned with our resident's individual dietary needs, preferences and cultural requirements
• Ensuring that all food services operations comply with UPA’s policies and procedures, Food Safety Programs, relevant Australian Food Standards and all other legislative and statutory requirements.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation to support compliance and continuous improvement

We are also willing to invest in training and offer you all the support you might need in order to succeed in your role.

What you bring

• Possession of a Certificate IV in Kitchen Management (SIT40521) or Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (SIT40516), or an equivalent qualification.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Chef or Cook Manager, preferably within an aged care or similar environment.
• Completion of Food Safety Supervisor Certificate, in line with NSW Food Authority requirements.
• Excellent understanding of HACCP & Food Safety legislative requirements.
• Demonstrated working knowledge or and experience in budget management and cost control.
• Previous experience in menu planning, food ordering, stock control, food preparation and dietary/nutrition requirements of vulnerable people as per the NSW Food Act & NSW Food Authority Guidelines for Service for Vulnerable Persons.
• Ability to monitor and supervise staff performance and development
• Demonstrated commitment and capacity to implement the principles associated with EEO, Infection Control, Continuous Improvement and WH&S.
• Ability to develop key relationships at all levels within an organisation
• Demonstrated decision making, problem solving and conflict management skills.
• Ability to attend detail, identify problems, resolve, and escalate issues and work with minimal supervision.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan and prioritise work according to strict guidelines.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written).

Desired

• Experience with therapeutic or medical diets, including dementia-specific nutrition approaches.
• Training in allergen management and cross-contamination prevention.

Benefits and perks

• Competitive remuneration including eligibility for not-for-profit salary packaging options for permanent employees (up to $15,900 living expenses and $2,650 entertainment benefits, tax free)
• Access to a Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Up to $500 retention bonus for permanent appointments
• Supportive and friendly work environment
• Work/life balance and flexible working arrangements available
• Workplace education and support provided
• Opportunity to make a real difference to your community and the lives of those in need

Pre-employment screening

The successful candidate is required to have completed/have a willingness to undertake the following:-

• Vaccinated in accordance with UPA’s Immunisation and Vaccination Policy. (including proof of the required doses of a TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine and annual influenza)
• Undertake a National Criminal History Check
• Pre-Employment Medical Assessment

Appointment is subject to satisfactory of all pre-employment checks.

Interested

Simply click on the ‘apply now’ button and submit your cover letter and resume for consideration. For a confidential discussion or to obtain a copy of the position description, please contact the UPA Talent Team at www.upa.org.au.

To find out more about UPA of NSW, we invite you to visit our website at www.upa.org.au.

We welcome applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, culturally and linguistically diverse groups, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees and people with disability. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better enable you to shine.

Advertised: 17 Sep 2026 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 17 Oct 2026 AUS Eastern Daylight Time

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