Head Chef

$85,000 + 12% Super

The University of New England is seeking an experienced and motivated Head Chef to join their team and step into an exciting new chapter. If you’re passionate about creating nutritious, high‑quality meals and thrive in a bulk‑cooking environment, this opportunity could be the perfect fit. Lead a dedicated kitchen team with purpose and contribute to a vibrant community.

• Hands‑on leadership role within the highly regarded University of New England, Armidale

• Join a motivated team with strong, supportive leaders

• Excellent opportunity for career progression and internal growth

Chartwells are specialists in providing catering and hospitality services in education. Our goal is to provide engaging and nutritious dining solutions tailored to support academic achievement at the highest levels.

THE POSITION

• Responsible for the direction, coaching and leadership of the onsite catering team
• Cost, plan, and deliver different cuisines and styles of food service
• Be the go to person for the provision of catering services focusing on quality menu design, food preparation and service.
• Plan, supervise, and monitor the food production across functions and in house menu-based catering 
• Coordinate and ensure the operational and financial success of this business.
• Hands on leadership will ensure your success as you go the extra mile to deliver results
• Engage with clients and customers with your proven communication and diplomacy skills to ensure operational excellence
• Actively maintain a high standard of food safety, allergen awareness, and OHS
• Maintain the highest standards of food quality and presentation.
• Oversee inventory, procurement, cost control and minimise food wastage

THE PERSON

• Minimum Cert. III Commercial Cookery
• Proven experience leading a culinary team through busy service periods
• Personable and ability to interact with clients and students alike
• Overflowing with ideas and able to demonstrate strength in creating culinary benchmarks in modern flavours, presentation and local produce.
• A natural leader with a unique approach to education catering bringing flair, warmth and outstanding cuisine in a friendly casual setting.
• Experience in the delivery of corporate style functions is imperative as is your ability to navigate a team to success through leadership, training and safety compliance.
• Energetic, progressive, and creative who is able to remain pragmatic and focused in an ever changing and challenging environment.
• Able to foster close and positive working relationships with staff, key clients and customers is essential as are sound verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven experience multitasking and forward planning
• Passionate about food and familiar with using seasonal ingredients to create outstanding and memorable experiences for clients and students
• Experience in leading, mentoring and developing teams
• Has a Working with Children Check or able to obtain is required for this role.

THE BENEFITS