Restaurant & Events Chef
Cézan Trattoria & Bar at Krinklewood Estate
Broke Fordwich, Hunter Valley NSW
Full-Time | Thursday–Monday
$90,000 + Super
A Chef Role With Genuine Work-Life Balance
Looking for a kitchen leadership role without the relentless late nights and city hospitality grind?
At Krinklewood Estate, most of our service is centred around long lunches, wine tastings, private dining experiences and weekend celebrations. Outside of weddings and special events, you'll enjoy a more balanced rhythm of service, with the majority of shifts finishing earlier than a traditional restaurant environment.
This is an opportunity to lead a small kitchen team, create beautiful food and enjoy a lifestyle that's increasingly rare in hospitality.
About Us
Cézan Trattoria & Bar sits at the heart of Krinklewood Estate, a 150-acre certified organic and biodynamic vineyard in the Hunter Valley.
Surrounded by vines, gardens and roaming peacocks, Cézan celebrates Mediterranean-inspired food, seasonal produce and exceptional wine experiences. From relaxed long lunches to weddings and estate events, we're building one of the region's most exciting hospitality destinations.
About the Role
This is a hands-on leadership position responsible for the day-to-day running of our kitchen operations.
Working alongside our Executive Chef, who oversees the culinary direction and menu development, you'll lead service, mentor junior staff and ensure exceptional execution across the restaurant, weddings and events program.
You'll oversee:
Cézan Trattoria & Bar lunch service
Weddings and private events




Estate dining experiences and activations
Kitchen operations, ordering and prep
Apprentice and junior chef development
What You'll Be Doing
Leading daily kitchen operations and service
Executing seasonal menus to a high standard
Managing ordering, stock control and food costs
Training and mentoring junior kitchen team members
Delivering weddings, events and private dining experiences
Maintaining food safety and kitchen standards
Working closely with our Executive Chef, a Junior Chef and wider hospitality team
About You
Previous experience as a Senior Sous Chef, Lead Chef or similar
Confident leading service and managing a small team
Passionate about seasonal, produce-led cooking
Organised, reliable and calm under pressure
Strong communication and leadership skills
Excited by hospitality, events and creating memorable guest experiences
Why You'll Love Working With Us
Genuine work-life balance compared to traditional restaurant kitchens
Predominantly daytime and lunch-focused service
Creative input without the pressure of sole menu responsibility
Work in one of Australia's most beautiful vineyard settings
Small, supportive and passionate team
Staff dining and wine benefits
A mix of restaurant, events and estate experiences that keeps every week interesting
The Details
Full time Position
Thursday–Monday roster
$90,000 + Super
Immediate start available
Based in Broke Fordwich, Hunter Valley
If you're looking for a role that combines leadership, quality food, beautiful surroundings and a more sustainable hospitality lifestyle, we'd love to hear from you.

📌 Restaurant & Events Chef | Work-Life Balance | Immediate Start (Newcastle)
🏢 Cézan
📍 Newcastle