Lead the Culinary Takeover of One of the Hunter’s Most Beautiful Estates

We're on the lookout for a visionary Head Chef to lead the kitchen at Cézan Trattoria & Bar, the new food and wine destination opening at the heart of Krinklewood Estate — in collaboration with the award-winning team at Fennel & Co.

This is not your average chef role. This is your chance to be part of a culinary takeover — reimagining food across an entire 60-acre biodynamic estate, including:

Cézan Trattoria & Bar — an evolving à la carte restaurant inspired by regional Italian fare, with a hyperlocal Krinklewood twist

Over 40 weddings and exclusive events per year — all catered with premium, produce-led menus

In-room private dining for the architect-designed Dimensions X Residences

Future offerings — including breakfast service, long-table lunches in the vines, and seasonal pop-ups

You’ll join as a founding member of a bold new food and beverage vision, shaping a new Hunter Valley hospitality icon from day one.

What You’ll Be Leading

Full kitchen operations for Cézan (3–4 days/week service, expanding over time)

Menu development across all culinary touchpoints: trattoria, events, weddings, private dining

A small, passionate and growing team (junior chef + kitchen hands)

Relationships with local farmers, producers and the estate’s own gardens

Close collaboration with our front-of-house, wine, and events teams

We’re Looking For

Proven experience leading a high-quality kitchen, ideally in a restaurant + events setting

A love of bold flavours, seasonal produce, and Mediterranean-influenced cuisine

Strong leadership skills — calm, positive, organised and inspiring

A desire to grow something from the ground up and help shape its long-term identity

Creativity, reliability and the ability to perform under pressure

Experience with events or large-scale catering a major plus

Why This Role Is Special

Be part of launching and leading a new restaurant and event kitchen

Cook across an entire estate with architectural residences, vineyards and gardens

Build your own team and be at the centre of a bold long-term vision

Beautiful lifestyle opportunity in the Hunter Valley wine region

Work in close collaboration with award-winning chefs, winemakers and creatives

$80,000 salary + super + full-time stability

Apply Now

Email [email protected] with your CV and a short cover note telling us why you’d be excited to join the Cézan and Krinklewood family.