Are you a passionate chef ready to lead a dynamic kitchen in one of the Illawarra's most loved dining destinations?

Pickled Poet, a thriving wine bar and deli in the heart of Thirroul, is seeking an experienced Head Chef to join our close-knit team. We're looking for someone who shares our passion for exceptional food, wine pairings, and creating memorable dining experiences.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Full-time position - 40 hours per week with paid overtime

Lead kitchen operations in our unique setup (induction cooktops & sandwich press)

Menu development - collaborate on our quarterly menu changes and daily specials

Staff training - mentor and develop our kitchen team

Maintain our high standards for house-made products and artisanal offerings

Work closely with front-of-house to ensure seamless service

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Minimum 5 years cooking experience

Sous chefs ready for their next step OR experienced head chefs

Passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients and wine-friendly cuisine

Experience with grazing boards, charcuterie, and artisanal products preferred

Strong leadership and training abilities

Adaptability to our unique kitchen setup

Customer-focused mindset

WHAT WE OFFER

Competitive salary based on experience

Quarterly performance bonus structure

Work in a supportive, family-owned business

Creative freedom in menu development

Beautiful location just minutes from the beach

Wednesday to Saturday trading (closed Sun-Tue)

Opportunity to work with premium local suppliers

ABOUT PICKLED POET

We're more than just a wine bar - we're a community hub offering house-made retail products, catering, private events, and live music. Our regularly changing wine list features natural wines alongside customer favorites, and our grazing boards are legendary locally.

Ready to make your mark in our kitchen?

Apply now: [email protected]