Head Chef – Wollongong Golf Club
Location: Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast NSW
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: Competitive package based on experience
Lead the Culinary Future of Wollongong Golf Club
Wollongong Golf Club is one of the Illawarra’s most iconic hospitality and lifestyle destinations, combining championship golf, premium hospitality, and breathtaking oceanfront dining. As we continue to evolve and invest in exciting new food and beverage experiences, we are seeking an experienced and visionary Head Chef to lead our culinary operations into an exciting new chapter.
This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of a well-established kitchen while helping shape the future direction of dining across our venues, including the much-loved 1897 Garden Bar & Deck Restaurant.
With exciting new concepts, refreshed menus, elevated events offerings, and future hospitality developments on the horizon, we are looking for a passionate leader ready to make their mark.
About the Role
As Head Chef, you will oversee all kitchen operations, lead and inspire the culinary team, and drive exceptional food experiences for members, guests, functions, weddings, and events.
You will play a key role in menu innovation, team development, operational efficiency, and maintaining the highest standards across all areas of the kitchen.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing kitchen brigade.
* Design and deliver innovative seasonal menus across à la carte, functions, and events.
* Drive consistency, quality, and presentation across all food offerings.
* Manage kitchen operations including rostering, ordering, stock control, and labour costs.
* Maintain exceptional food safety, WHS, and kitchen compliance standards.
* Collaborate with senior management on exciting new hospitality initiatives and future venue offerings.
* Foster a positive, energetic, and professional kitchen culture.
* Deliver exceptional dining experiences that exceed member and guest expectations.
About You
You are a passionate and experienced culinary leader who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment and brings creativity, leadership, and commercial awareness to the role.
You will ideally have:
* Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a high-volume, quality-focused venue.
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
* Experience managing functions, weddings, events, and premium dining services.
* Excellent understanding of food cost control, kitchen operations, and supplier management.
* A creative and modern approach to menu development and food presentation.
* Strong organisational and communication skills.
* A hands-on leadership style with a calm and professional approach under pressure.
* Flexibility to work across a rotating roster including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.
Why join Wollongong Golf Club?
* Stunning oceanfront workplace in the heart of Wollongong.
* Opportunity to lead an exciting and evolving food & beverage offering.
* Be part of major upcoming hospitality developments and new initiatives.
* Supportive leadership team and positive workplace culture.
* Competitive salary package and staff benefits.
* Complimentary golf and staff perks.
* Career growth and long-term leadership opportunities.
Qualifications & Experience Required
* Trade-qualified Chef (Certificate III in Commercial Cookery or equivalent).
* Minimum 5 years’ experience in senior kitchen leadership roles.
* Demonstrated experience leading successful kitchen teams in premium hospitality venues.
* Current Food Safety Supervisor certification (or willingness to obtain).
* Strong understanding of HACCP, WHS, and food safety compliance.
* Experience with menu costing, labour management, and kitchen financial performance.
* Australian working rights required.
If you are a driven culinary professional looking for your next leadership opportunity in a dynamic and exciting environment, we would love to hear from you.
Immediate start available for the right candidate.
Please note: Due to the volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.