Overview
Head Chef for Premium Waterfront Restaurant. We are seeking a talented and driven Head Chef to join our award-winning culinary team at 8 at Trinity, Lake Macquarie’s leading premium dining destination. Reporting directly to the Executive Chef, this role requires a leader who leads from the front in every service — running the pass, working across all sections, and being fully hands-on in both prep and execution.
You’ll set the standard for food quality, plating, and service while leading, mentoring, and motivating a high-performing team of 25 chefs.
About The Role
- Hands-on leadership: work in sections on all services, including taking the lead role on the main cookline.
- Take full responsibility for kitchen operations, maintaining the highest standards of consistency and excellence.
- Develop and execute seasonal menus that showcase premium local and international produce.
- Mentor, coach, and inspire chefs at all levels to achieve their full potential.
- Manage rosters, ordering, stock control, and food costs to deliver strong financial outcomes.
- Strong experience and knowledge in software/IT used to optimise Head Chef workflows/costs (e.g., Cooking the Books, Tanda, etc.).
- Ensure the highest standards of food safety, compliance, and workplace culture are upheld.
About You
- Proven multi-year experience as a Head Chef (or extensive experience as a Senior Sous stepping into a Head Chef role) in a high-volume, refined restaurant.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a large kitchen team of 25+ through peak services.
- A hands-on leader with strong business acumen and operational expertise.
- Exceptional culinary knowledge across modern Australian and international cuisines.
- Hands-on chef who thrives in service, prep, and day-to-day kitchen operations.
- Creative, passionate, and able to deliver premium-quality dishes under pressure.
- Drive efficiency, manage costs, and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Uphold the highest standards of food safety, consistency, and presentation.
- Organised, proactive, and commercially savvy with a strong work ethic.
- Eligible to work full time in Australia (sponsorship may be considered for the right candidate).
Benefits Of Working At 8 At Trinity
- Sponsorships Welcome.
- Staff meals provided daily.
- Join our kitchen team of 25+ with development opportunities to support and grow your hospitality career.
Our Venue & Your Future
- Competitive and negotiable salary package, commensurate with experience.
- Staff meals provided daily.
- Join a large, professional kitchen team with opportunities for development and progression.
- Work in a state-of-the-art kitchen within a 350+ seat premium restaurant.
- 8 At Trinity is part of the $650m Trinity Point Luxury Waterfront Development overlooking Lake Macquarie.
- 80 mins north of Sydney and 30–40 mins south of Newcastle.
- Be part of an award-winning, market-leading venue with a supportive, talented management team.
- Available to work days, evenings and weekends. (8 at Trinity is currently closed on Mondays and Tuesdays however kitchen prep team works through the week).
Next Stage
- Apply in writing to the General Manager.
- Regional Sponsorships welcome. We are approved for Regional Employment. 8 at Trinity already sponsors in excess of 20 staff.
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📌 Head Chef for Premium Waterfront Restaurant
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