Head Chef

Position: Full-Time

About the Adelaide Hills Hotel Group:

The Adelaide Hills Hotel Group encompasses some of the best-known hospitality assets in the state and the nation. Situated in a prized tourist region with access to the Adelaide Hills wineries at their door, The Crafers Hotel (Crafers), The Stanley Bridge Tavern (Verdun) The Fourth Hill Providore (Verdun), and The District Hotel (Nairne) are searching for a passionate individual to join their team.

A distinctive group of hospitality venues known for their gastro-pub cuisine, family-oriented atmosphere, community engagement and an extensive wine program including a 10,500 bottle collection at The Crafers Cellars that is nationally recognised, one of the groups hidden gems - the District Hotel located in Nairne is set to undergo exciting renovations in the New Year.

This is a unique opportunity to build a brand-new team and shape the food offering from the ground up. You will be directly involved in new projects and play a key role in revitalising the venue, bringing your vision and leadership to life including helping design the new kitchen and dining area.

About the Role:
As Head Chef, you’ll recruit, develop, and inspire your own kitchen team while overseeing all aspects of food operations, from menu design to service execution. You will have the creative freedom to showcase the best of local, seasonal produce in a modern pub dining setting, supported by the wider Adelaide Hills Hotel Group.

Responsibilities:

Building, mentoring, and leading a brand-new kitchen team

Designing and developing seasonal menus including daily specials that entice

Managing stock control, ordering, and costings

Ensuring compliance with food safety and hygiene standards

Collaborating with venue management to establish the District Hotel’s new food identity

Playing a key role in renovations and exciting upcoming projects

What We’re Looking For:

Proven experience as a Head Chef in a fast-paced venue

A leader who can inspire vision and build a team

A passion for modern pub dining with a twist and showcasing local produce

Excellent organisational and financial management skills - ability to cost menus and manage to a margin expectation

Flexibility to work across nights, weekends, and public holidays that supports the team and delivers memorable gastro experiences

A creative mindset with a desire to innovate and make your mark

Why Join Us:

Be part of an exciting new chapter at The District Hotel

Build and lead your own team during a venue transformation

Supportive, collaborative culture within the Adelaide Hills Hotel Group

Opportunities for professional development and career growth across the group

Staff benefits, including discounts across multiple venues

You will also bring:

10+ years’ experience as a chef leading and managing a kitchen team

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Qualification as a chef (trained) or a related field (preferred)

WSET Level 1-2 (desirable), ability to create / understand food and wine pairings

Creativity, initiative, and a genuine love for storytelling through hospitality

Full working rights in Australia preferred however negotiable depending on candidate

Who We Are Looking For

We love people who are collaborative, energetic, welcoming, and curious, with a genuine passion for all things local. If you’re ready to take ownership of a kitchen, build your own team, and shape the future of The District Hotel, we’d love to hear from you.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to send their resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience to [email protected]