The Role
Reporting directly to the Ipswich General Manager and being a member of the site leadership team, the role of Chef Manager is a critical leadership position operating Monday to Friday, full-time, and permanently accountable for daily kitchen operations, the on-site Café, and lifestyle events (e.g., Men's shed BBQ, celebration catering). The Chef Manager leads a small team to ensure operational excellence.
A key success factor is building and maintaining high-trust, respectful, and professional relationships with colleagues and support teams, aligning with Infinite Aged Care's core values.
As the Chef Manager, you will connect deeply with residents, actively seek feedback to improve food and nutrition services, and communicate your vision, creativity, and wellness attitude regarding food. Your team shares a passion for providing high-quality food and beverage services across various settings, including the dining hall, in-house café, in-room dining, and events. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in residents' lives through your culinary passion.
Key Responsibilities
* Ensure the daily delivery of 5-star quality meals on time, including room service and café offerings, following set menus aligned with residents' food preferences and nutritional plans.
* Lead and coach kitchen teams on workplace safety routines and safety checklists.
* Participate in Infinite's Chef Community, sharing food creations and catering for events.
* Manage budgets, procurement, stocktakes, and equipment maintenance.
* Attend daily management meetings with other department heads to execute strategic and operational plans in a collaborative, high-trust leadership style.
* Be receptive to customer feedback, respectful, and an active listener, as residents value their food experiences.
* Align operational plans to meet food hygiene audits and regulatory standards, promoting safety and proactive attitudes.
* Collaborate with the Regional Chef support network to learn, improve, and develop new food services.
* Partner with community education providers and VET programs to facilitate student placements in the kitchen.
This role involves physical activity, including bending, squatting, lifting, and pushing. You must perform these tasks safely to prevent injury to yourself, colleagues, and residents.
Who are you?
* Minimum of 5 years' experience in commercial kitchens.
* Proven leadership experience managing kitchen teams.
* A natural people person who fosters a safe, fun, and learning-oriented culture.
* Exceptional communication skills to liaise with diverse stakeholders.
* Willingness to listen and develop based on feedback from residents, families, and colleagues.
* A positive, approachable leader who collaborates with other operational teams to enhance residents' daily experiences.
* Commitment to safety training and upskilling.
* Qualifications: Certificate III or higher in Commercial Cookery, valid Food Safety Supervisors certificate.
* Ability to adapt menu planning creatively for residents.
* Experience in aged care or health sectors is advantageous.
Benefits - Why work for us?
* Discounted wellbeing activities via Infinite's FitnessPassport.
* Free in-house and online training programs.
* Family-friendly benefits like EAP and employee discounts.
* Free professional development programs.
* Career growth within a mentoring-focused culture.
* Opportunities to upskill through roadshows and team events.
* Supportive, positive team environment with a caring work ethic.
* Workplace safety prioritized for residents, families, and staff.
* Engaging wellbeing and team activities.
* Discounted health insurance with Australian Unity.
Learn more about our Ipswich Care home: Infinite Care Ipswich | Aged Care
Who are we?
Infinite Aged Care operates 17 care homes across Australia, committed to delivering high-quality aged care and creating lasting memories. We support our employees' skill development and potential growth. More info: Residential Care Services Locations | Aged Care Facilities | Infinite Care
Join us and help make aged care great!
Note: Successful candidates will need to complete pre-employment checks, including an online medical questionnaire, proof of work rights, and current NDIS clearance or willingness to apply. Proof of age (driver's license or age card) is required; passports are not accepted. If unavailable, apply via the relevant Department of Transport website.
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