About the role

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to join our dynamic team at The Firehouse in Ringwood. As our Head Chef, you will be responsible for leading our kitchen operations and delivering exceptional culinary experiences to our guests. This full-time role offers a competitive salary and the opportunity to work in a supportive and collaborative environment.

About the venue

The Firehouse is a restaurant with multiple function spaces, and a 200pax beer garden and bar. We have two kitchens to service these distinct areas, which allows us to have both a casual and a formal food offering. We have grown by over 50% in the past 18 months with forecasts for another 50% in the next 18 months.

The current head chef has been with us for 6 years and will be transitioning out over the coming months to ensure a successful change over.

What you'll be doing

• Oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, including menu planning, food preparation, and staff management
• Develop and implement innovative seasonal menus that showcase your culinary expertise and creativity
• Ensure consistently high-quality food is served, adhering to strict food safety and hygiene standards
• Manage and train a team of talented chefs and kitchen staff, providing guidance and mentorship
• Liaise with the front-of-house team to ensure seamless service and customer satisfaction
• Monitor and control kitchen budgets, inventories, and ordering processes
• Participate in the ongoing development, improvement and expansion of The Firehouse’s culinary offerings
• The role currently requires 35hrs in service, with the opportunity to reduce this as the business expands to help focus ON the business and its processes

What we're looking for

• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Head Chef or in a senior culinary leadership role within the hospitality industry
• Strong technical cooking skills and a deep understanding of various cuisines and cooking techniques
• Proven ability to lead and motivate a kitchen team, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment
• Excellent time management, problem-solving, and multitasking skills
• Thorough knowledge of food safety regulations and kitchen best practices
• Passion for using fresh, seasonal ingredients and creating innovative, high-quality dishes
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively liaise with the front-of-house team, customers and owners

What we offer

At the Firehouse, we are committed to providing our employees with a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer:

• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement
• Flexible work arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance
• A dynamic and collaborative team culture that values creativity and innovation