About the Role
This is a role for a hands-on Head Chef who values ownership, respect, and simplicity. At Dyers, we are an independent, family-run venue where leadership is shared, accountability matters, and culture is everything. If you're looking for a kitchen where you can lead from the front, work closely with involved owners, and build something meaningful with a committed team, this role may be for you.
You will work closely with highly involved owners and operate the kitchen as if it were your own business — balancing leadership, creativity, and commercial responsibility.
This is not a corporate or group-run venue. The independent operation brings freedom, but also responsibility — there is nowhere to hide, and success is shared.
Salary:
$90,000 – $110,000 (commensurate with experience)
Core Responsibilities
Kitchen Operations
* Lead day-to-day kitchen operations and service
* Ensure adherence to all internal processes and external compliance requirements
People & Leadership
* Work collaboratively with the existing team, recognising and developing individual strengths
* Lead by example and foster a respectful, supportive kitchen culture
Financial Management
* Actively manage food costs, wages, and operational expenses
* Review and adjust weekly and daily costs to meet budget targets
Menu Development
* Design and refine menus with seasonal updates
* Deliver menu changes within agreed timeframes and guidelines
Compliance
* Interpret kitchen reports, audits, and documentation
* Identify and mitigate risks while ensuring all compliance obligations are met
About you
* Full working rights in Australia
* Comfortable working closely with hands-on owners
* Understands the realities and rewards of a family-run business
* Leads by example and believes in the craft of cooking
* Values simplicity and consistency —
simple is beautiful
* Communicates clearly, openly, and honestly
* Respects people, produce, processes, and customers
* Invested in helping others learn and grow
* Willing to have real conversations — agree to disagree, then commit
What we are Not looking for
* Ego-driven leadership
* "I know everything" or "I'm the boss" mentality
* Use of abusive or disrespectful language
* Making excuses instead of taking responsibility
* Lack of respect for people, produce, or process
What we offer
* Leadership role in an iconic regional venue
* A genuinely healthy and respectful work environment
* Flexibility to attend personal commitments during the workday
* 5-day work week, closed on public holidays
* Opportunity to grow personally as the business grows
* Scope to develop new business ideas in collaboration with the owners
* Very competitive salary for a regional role
* A beautiful regional city to live and work in
Interview process
1. Initial screening call or video interview (15min)
2. Interview with Owner 1
3. Interview with Owner 2
4. Meet the team and complete a trial shift
Note:
* Interview 1 and 2 on the same day
* The trial shift is not about judging technical skills. It's about mutual fit — seeing how you work within the team, and whether the kitchen feels like a place you can make your own.
Apply now and explore an opportunity like no other