About Us:
Pier Ninety Seven is a vibrant function venue located in Wickham, hosting everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale celebrations. We also operate Flatfish Café—a small, fast-paced café specialising in fresh seafood and a variety of tasting menu items.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary operations for events and collaborate closely with the Café Supervisor to support the day-to-day running of Flatfish Café. This role combines creative menu development, hands-on cooking, and leadership within a supportive and dynamic team environment.

Role Overview:
As Head Chef, you will be responsible for delivering exceptional cuisine across multiple formats, including roaming canapés, plated meals, and buffet-style dining for up to 200 guests. You will also work alongside the Café Supervisor to ensure smooth kitchen operations at Flatfish Café, providing guidance, support, and culinary expertise where needed.

This is a hands-on leadership role ideal for a chef who enjoys both event catering and café service in a collaborative team setting.

Key Responsibilities:
• Plan, prepare, and execute high-quality menus for events, including canapés, plated meals, and buffet service for 50–200 guests.
• Collaborate with the Café Supervisor to maintain consistency, quality, and efficiency across café and event services.
• Oversee and participate in food preparation, ensuring exceptional standards of quality, presentation, and hygiene.
• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a supportive and positive team culture.
• Work closely with management to plan menus, specials, and catering packages that align with client and business needs.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene, and occupational health and safety standards.
• Maintain stock levels, manage food costs, and minimise waste while upholding quality and portion control.
• Actively participate in both event catering and café service as required.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as scheduling, inventory, and supplier management.

Skills & Experience:
• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Chef in a busy kitchen, ideally with event catering experience.
• Strong leadership and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
• Expertise in seafood preparation and presentation.
• Excellent organisational and time management abilities.
• Creative approach to menu design and presentation.
• Sound understanding of food hygiene and safety regulations.
• Flexibility to work weekends and evenings as required for events and café operations.

What We Offer:
• A dynamic and creative work environment.
• Opportunities to lead and collaborate with a dedicated culinary team.
• Hands-on involvement in diverse and exciting events alongside a thriving café operation.
• Competitive remuneration based on experience.

If you are a passionate and experienced chef who thrives in a collaborative and creative environment, we would love to hear from you.