Executive Chef – Franquette Group

Relocate to the Beautiful Southern Highlands

📍 Location: Bowral, NSW
💼 Employment Type: Full-time
💰 Salary: $110,000–$130,000 + super (negotiable based on experience)
👨‍🍳 Reporting to: Owners – Julien & Romy Besnard

Why This Role? Why Now?

Franquette Crêperie has quickly become a beloved destination in Bowral, known for its authentic French fare, warm hospitality, and strong local following. In just 18 months, we've built a thriving venue that reflects our passion for simple, high-quality food and genuine service.

With the launch of Franquette Soirée—our offsite catering and luxury event hire service—we’ve expanded into weddings, private dining, and celebrations across the Southern Highlands. From crêpe carts to cocktail stations, Soirée delivers warm, French-inspired hospitality beyond the restaurant walls.

And we’re not stopping there. With a second venue in development—a French-inspired concept, distinct from the crêperie—we’re entering an exciting new growth phase.

We’re looking for an experienced and driven Executive Chef to work closely with us to refine systems, lead a growing kitchen team, and develop new concepts across all three arms of the business.

1. Leadership & Team Management

Lead, train, and inspire kitchen teams across multiple venues

Foster a positive, performance-driven culture aligned with our values

Support recruitment, onboarding, and professional development of kitchen staff

Work closely with FOH and operations teams to ensure smooth communication and collaboration

2. Operations & Service Excellence

Oversee daily kitchen operations at Franquette Crêperie, Franquette Soirée, and the new site

Maintain high standards for service efficiency, food quality, hygiene, and consistency

Ensure all venues meet food safety, WHS, and compliance standards

Actively lead services

3. Menu Development & Culinary Direction

Design and deliver seasonal menus

Create bespoke menus for private dining, weddings, and offsite events

Contribute to the concept development and full menu creation for the new venue

4. Offsite Catering Systems & Event Execution

Build efficient systems and prep workflows for offsite events and mobile kitchen operations

Develop packaging, transport, and setup procedures for event delivery

Support onsite execution of weddings and events

Contribute to ongoing improvements in catering offerings and logistics

5. Financial & Business Operations

Manage kitchen budgets, control food costs, and monitor stock and wastage

Source high-quality produce and maintain strong supplier relationships

Support strategic business growth across all three concepts

Track performance, make data-driven decisions, and identify opportunities to improve profitability

6. What We’re Looking For

5+ years in a senior chef role (Executive Chef or Head Chef) in a high-quality, multi-outlet or events-focused environment

Proven experience launching a new venue or concept from the ground up

Hands-on leader with strong communication and problem-solving skills

Excellent understanding of financial management, cost control, and team performance

Deep appreciation for French cuisine, produce, and hospitality culture

French culinary training or experience in French kitchens is highly regarded

Strong creative instincts and an ability to design elegant, approachable menus

Ssound knowledge of food safety and compliance

7. Work-Life Balance & Lifestyle in Bowral

This role is based in Bowral, just 90 minutes from Sydney in the heart of the Southern Highlands. It offers the opportunity to live and work in one of NSW’s most beautiful regions.

A thriving food and wine scene, surrounded by excellent producers

Great schools, strong community, and a relaxed pace of life

Ideal for professionals or families looking to put down roots and grow with a business

While weekend and evening work is part of the role, we are committed to building a culture of sustainability, work-life balance, and long-term team wellbeing.

8. How to Apply

📩 Please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

Please note: Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.