Chef at Wonderwood Eatery

About Us
Wonderwood is a well-established dining venue, celebrated for its creative menus and commitment to high-quality food and exceptional service. We take pride in delivering a warm and inviting atmosphere that reflects our unique culinary vision, while maintaining the highest professional standards in our kitchen.

Our restaurant attracts a diverse customer base, including local residents, families, and corporate groups, and remains consistently busy across weekdays, weekends, and evenings. With a focus on both consistency and innovation, our menus showcase seasonal produce and customer favourites, ensuring every guest enjoys a fresh and memorable dining experience.

Role

Wonderwood is seeking a qualified Chef to oversee the day-to-day operations of the kitchen. The position involves planning, preparing and cooking a variety of dishes, creating and updating menus, and ensuring that all meals are produced to a consistently high standard.

The Chef will oversee the selection of ingredients, manage stock and ordering, and maintain a safe, organised, and efficient kitchen environment. Applicants must have strong culinary knowledge, the ability to work under pressure, and the leadership skills to guide a team while maintaining quality, efficiency, and compliance with food safety standards.

Responsibilities and Duties

- Coordinate the daily preparation, cooking, and presentation of a wide range of menu items, including seasonal and specialty dishes.
- Select and order ingredients, manage stock levels, and work with management to ensure consistent supply of high-quality produce.
- Contribute to designing, planning, and updating menus that reflect customer preferences, seasonal availability, and industry trends.
- Maintain consistent standards of taste, portion size, and visual presentation across all dishes.
- Monitor food quality at all stages of preparation, cooking, and presentation to ensure consistency and customer satisfaction.
- Estimate food and labour costs and assist with kitchen budgeting and cost control measures.
- Inspect supplies, kitchen equipment, and work areas to ensure cleanliness, functionality, and compliance with food safety standards.
- Demonstrate cooking techniques and provide guidance to kitchen staff on food preparation, cooking methods, portion control, and presentation.
- Direct and support kitchen staff in carrying out their tasks, and provide guidance in techniques, portioning, and presentation.
- Maintain strict hygiene and food safety practices, ensuring the kitchen meets regulatory and workplace health and safety requirements.
- Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen team members, including participating in interviews and supporting professional development.
- Manage workflow during busy service periods to ensure smooth delivery and customer satisfaction.
- Collaborate with management on broader operational needs and contribute ideas for improving service quality and kitchen efficiency.

Skills and Qualifications
- AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2).
- At least 3 years of relevant work experience.
- Ability to handle busy service while ensuring quality of food is maintained.
- Strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills.
- Hardworking, positive attitude, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Flexibility to work weekdays, weekends, and evenings as required.

Australian citizens and permanent residents are encouraged to apply.

Salary: $79,500