Chef – Full Time (38 Hours per Week)

PJ's in the City is a busy, modern venue in the heart of Canberra Civic, offering a quality Italian Australian inspired à la carte dining experience alongside a premium pub atmosphere. We are seeking an experienced and passionate Chef to join our kitchen team and assist in delivering fresh, authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine with consistency and creativity with minimum 1-year full time post qualification.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, cook and present a wide range of Italian-inspired à la carte dishes to a consistently high standard.
• Prepare fresh pasta dishes, risottos, premium meat, seafood and poultry dishes, antipasti and traditional Italian sauces using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Assist in the development and implementation of seasonal menus, daily specials and new menu items reflecting contemporary Italian cuisine.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented in accordance with established recipes, portion specifications and quality standards.
• Monitor food quality, taste and presentation throughout service.
• Estimate food requirements, order stock and maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Inspect the quality of ingredients and ensure correct storage and stock rotation procedures are followed.
• Minimise food wastage while maintaining profitability and portion control.
• Supervise, train and mentor kitchen staff in food preparation techniques, presentation standards and safe work practices.
• Coordinate kitchen operations during busy lunch and dinner services to ensure efficient workflow and timely service.
• Ensure compliance with all Food Safety Standards, HACCP principles, workplace health and safety requirements and kitchen hygiene regulations.
• Monitor, maintain and report on kitchen equipment to ensure it remains in safe working order.
• Work collaboratively with management to maintain exceptional customer satisfaction and continuous improvement of the menu offering.

Essential Requirements

• Demonstrated experience preparing authentic Italian and Mediterranean-style à la carte cuisine in a busy commercial kitchen.
• Sound knowledge of fresh pasta, sauces, risotto, meat, seafood and contemporary Italian cooking techniques.
• Strong understanding of food safety legislation and kitchen hygiene practices.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure during high-volume lunch and dinner service.
• Excellent organisational, communication and time management skills.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends and public holidays.
• A genuine passion for quality food, teamwork and delivering an exceptional dining experience.

If you are a skilled Chef with experience in Italian cuisine and a passion for producing high-quality à la carte food, we invite you to apply for this exciting opportunity with PJ's in the City.

Pay: $75,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount

Work Location: In person