Head Chef – Brand New Kitchen Opening | Tall Timbers Hotel (The Tallies)
Full Time | $100,000 – $110,000 + Super
Lead the Re-Launch of One of the Central Coast’s Most Exciting Pub Kitchens
Tall Timbers Hotel — locally known as “The Tallies” — is entering a major new chapter.
We are building a brand-new commercial kitchen and preparing to relaunch our food offering with a strong focus on quality pub dining, operational excellence and team culture.
This is a rare opportunity for a dedicated Culinary Expert and hands-on Head Chef to take ownership of a kitchen from the ground up — shaping menus, building a team, and setting the standards that will define the next era of the venue.
If you thrive in fast-paced hospitality environments and want genuine influence over food direction and kitchen performance, this role is for you.
About the Role
As Head Chef, you will lead all back-of-house operations and play a key role in the successful reopening and long-term performance of the kitchen.
You will work closely with venue leadership to deliver a food offer that is consistent, profitable, guest-focused and scalable.
Key responsibilities include:
* Leading, mentoring and developing a high-performing kitchen team
* Overseeing all kitchen operations including prep, service flow, quality and presentation
* Designing and executing seasonal pub menus aligned with guest demand and commercial outcomes
* Driving strong food cost control, purchasing discipline and stock management
* Ensuring compliance with food safety, WHS and hygiene standards
* Supporting recruitment, onboarding and training of kitchen team members
* Managing service standards during high-volume trading periods
* Contributing to menu engineering, promotions and food innovation
* Establishing systems and structure in a newly built kitchen environment
About You
We are looking for a motivated hospitality professional who combines strong culinary capability with operational leadership.
You will bring:
* Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a busy pub, club, hotel or casual dining venue
* Strong leadership skills and the ability to build team culture
* Confidence managing high-volume service environments
* Solid understanding of kitchen financial performance and food cost control
* Excellent organisational and communication skills
* Passion for delivering consistent, quality food experiences
* Relevant cookery qualifications (Cert III or higher preferred)
* Availability to work a rotating roster including nights, weekends and public holidays
Why Join The Tallies
* Lead a brand-new kitchen opening and venue food relaunch
* Genuine autonomy to shape menus and kitchen standards
* Strong leadership support and investment in kitchen operations
* Competitive salary package $100k – $110k + Super
* Opportunity to build and develop your own team
* Long-term career growth within an established hospitality venue
* Community-focused venue with loyal guest base
Apply Now
If you’re ready to take ownership of an exciting kitchen transformation and build something you can truly be proud of — we want to hear from you.
Please submit your resume and cover letter via SEEK.
For confidential enquiries
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.