Lead the complete culinary operation of an award-winning hotel, premium restaurant and growing events destination.Mercure Centro Port Macquarie is seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head Chef to take ownership of all culinary operations across the hotel, including Birdrock Bar & Grill, conferences, weddings, functions, breakfast and in-room dining.This is a senior, hands-on leadership role for a chef who can deliver exceptional food while building a strong team, improving systems and driving the commercial performance of a diverse food and beverage operation.The opportunityWorking closely with the General Manager and Food & Beverage leadership team, you will shape the direction of our culinary offering and lead its day-to-day delivery.You will be responsible for food quality, menu development, kitchen culture, labour management, food costs, purchasing, compliance and profitability.
You'll have the autonomy to lead your kitchen, supported by an experienced hotel and wider group leadership team.What you'll be responsible forCulinary direction and guest experienceLead all culinary operations across Birdrock Bar & Grill, breakfast, conferences, weddings, functions and in-room diningDevelop menus and seasonal specials that reflect Birdrock's premium coastal positioning and the hotel's broader marketMaintain outstanding standards of food quality, presentation and consistencyWork collaboratively with the restaurant, functions and hotel teams to deliver memorable guest experiencesContribute to promotions, packages and events that increase revenue while protecting guest value and profitabilityPeople and cultureRecruit, train, mentor and develop a skilled and diverse kitchen teamCreate a positive, professional and accountable kitchen cultureEstablish clear standards and build capability through coaching,



communication and performance managementLead from the front while developing a team that can perform consistently across multiple service periodsCommercial performanceTake ownership of food cost, labour cost, gross profit and other key kitchen performance measuresPrepare effective rosters based on forecasts, bookings and business demandManage ordering, portion control, waste, stock rotation and supplier relationshipsComplete accurate stocktakes and maintain reliable inventory and cost reportingMaintain recipe cards, purchasing, stock control and invoice records through Cooking the BooksProvide commercial input into menu pricing, specials and promotional offersOperations and complianceEnsure full compliance with food safety, HACCP and workplace health and safety requirementsMaintain a clean, organised and effective kitchen operationCoordinate preventative maintenance, equipment repairs and replacement requirementsContinually identify opportunities to improve kitchen efficiency, service delivery and profitabilityWhat you'll bringProven experience as a Head Chef or senior culinary leader in a hotel, high-volume restaurant or premium hospitality venueStrong commercial acumen and demonstrated success managing food costs, labour and kitchen profitabilityExperience delivering across multiple food and beverage channels, ideally including restaurant dining, breakfast and eventsA proven ability to recruit, lead and develop a high-performing kitchen teamA calm,



positive and accountable leadership styleExcellent planning, organisational and communication skillsStrong knowledge of food safety legislation and industry best practiceRelevant trade and culinary qualificationsExperience using Cooking the Books or a comparable stock and recipe-management platform will be highly regardedWhat we offerCompetitive salary package based on experienceA five-day working week and a genuine commitment to sustainable work-life balanceCreative input into menus and the future direction of the hotel's food offeringAutonomy to lead the culinary operation, supported by an experienced management teamAccor Heartist accommodation rates and employee discounts worldwideProfessional development and career opportunities across both Flower Hotels and AccorThe opportunity to live and work in the heart of Port MacquarieThis is an opportunity to lead more than a restaurant kitchen.
You'll take ownership of the complete culinary operation of Mercure Centro Port Macquarie and help shape the next phase of Birdrock Bar & Grill, our functions business and the wider hotel food offering.Unlock job insightsHirer responsiveness Salary match Number of applicantsYour application will include the following questions:Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in Australia?
How many years' experience do you have as a Head Chef?
Do you hold a current Food Safety certificate?
Which of the following culinary arts qualifications have you obtained?
Do you have experience with menu planning & costing?
Do you have experience with inventory management?
Have you worked in a role where you were responsible for budget management & forecasting?
Charlestown, Newcastle, Maitland & Hunter NSW9d agoChef
#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Head Chef (Port Macquarie)
🏢 @
📍 Port Macquarie