Head Chef – Surly's Surry Hills

Position Title: Head Chef
Reports To: General Manager
Business: Surly's Hospitality Pty Ltd
Venue: Surly's American Tavern
Location: 182 Campbell Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Employment Type: Full time, Permanent
Salary: AUD $85,000 per annum plus statutory superannuation

Position Summary

The Head Chef is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the kitchen operations at Surly's American Tavern. This is a full-time senior management position responsible for menu development, food quality, kitchen leadership, financial performance, compliance with food safety legislation, and the efficient operation of a high-volume commercial kitchen.

The role is integral to the ongoing success of the business and requires an experienced chef capable of leading a diverse kitchen team while maintaining consistently high culinary standards, operational efficiency, and profitability.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

- Manage and oversee the daily operations of the kitchen, ensuring efficient service and consistently high food quality.
- Develop, design and implement seasonal menus, daily specials, catering packages and function menus that align with the Surly's brand.
- Plan recipes, portion sizes and menu pricing to maximise profitability while maintaining quality and consistency.
- Supervise all food preparation and cooking to ensure presentation, quality, portion control and customer satisfaction standards are consistently achieved.
- Recruit, train, mentor and supervise kitchen employees including Sous Chefs, Chef de Parties, Commis Chefs, Apprentices and Kitchen Hands.
- Prepare staff rosters and allocate duties to ensure efficient kitchen operations and appropriate labour utilisation.
- Monitor labour costs, food costs,



gross profit margins and kitchen productivity to achieve business budgets and financial targets.
- Order food, beverages and kitchen supplies, manage supplier relationships and negotiate purchasing where appropriate.
- Monitor inventory levels and implement stock control systems to minimise wastage and maximise profitability.
- Ensure compliance with all Food Safety Standards, HACCP principles, NSW Food Authority requirements and Work Health and Safety legislation.
- Develop, implement and continuously improve kitchen procedures, systems and operational standards.
- Coordinate preventative maintenance of kitchen equipment and arrange repairs as required.
- Work collaboratively with senior management on marketing initiatives, promotional campaigns, special events and business development opportunities.
- Monitor customer feedback and implement continuous improvements to menu offerings and kitchen performance.
- Maintain accurate records relating to stock control, food cost analysis, labour costs, wastage and kitchen performance.
- Ensure high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and food handling practices are maintained throughout the kitchen at all times.
- Foster a positive, professional and high-performing kitchen culture focused on teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.
- Drive culinary innovation while maintaining the authentic American barbecue style and quality standards that define the Surly's brand.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate will possess:





- Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery (or equivalent recognised qualification).
- A minimum of five (5) years' relevant experience in a senior chef or Head Chef position.
- Demonstrated experience managing a high-volume commercial kitchen.
- Proven leadership and people management skills with the ability to recruit, train and develop kitchen staff.
- Strong understanding of menu planning, recipe development, food costing and inventory management.
- Excellent knowledge of budgeting, labour management and cost control.
- Comprehensive understanding of Australian food safety legislation, HACCP principles and workplace health and safety requirements.
- Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure while maintaining high standards of food quality and customer service.
- Strong commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and operational excellence.

Key Performance Outcomes

The Head Chef will be expected to:

- Deliver consistently high-quality food and presentation standards.
- Maintain food and labour costs within approved budgets.
- Lead, develop and retain a high-performing kitchen team.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety and workplace health and safety requirements.
- Support the commercial success of the business through effective menu engineering, operational efficiency and cost management.
- Contribute to the ongoing growth and reputation of Surly's American Tavern through culinary leadership and innovation.

For further information, contact:

Nathan Wood - General Manager Surly's Group Pty Ltd

[email protected]

Pay: $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Employee discount
- Free food
- Parental leave

Work Location: In person

📌 Head Chef (Surry Hills)
🏢 Surly's American Tavern
📍 Surry Hills