About us

PJs in the City is a vibrant hospitality establishment located in the heart of Canberra. We are passionate about delivering exceptional dining experiences to our guests through innovative cuisine, outstanding service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Our commitment to quality, creativity, and excellence has established us as a respected venue within the Canberra hospitality scene. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative kitchen culture where culinary excellence thrives and our team members feel valued and supported.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Head Chef to lead our kitchen operations at PJs in the City in Canberra, ACT 2600. This is a full-time position that offers the opportunity to direct all aspects of food preparation, menu development, and kitchen management. As Head Chef, you will be the driving force behind our culinary vision, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, consistency, and presentation across all service periods. You will play a pivotal role in shaping our dining identity and maintaining the exceptional reputation we have built within the community.

Key responsibilities

1. Lead, manage, and motivate the kitchen team to maintain the highest standards of food preparation and presentation

2. Develop, design, and regularly update menus that reflect current culinary trends whilst maintaining our signature style and identity

3. Oversee all aspects of food costing, budgeting, and inventory management to ensure profitability and minimal waste

4. Ensure strict adherence to food hygiene, safety regulations,



and health standards at all times

5. Train and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and professional development

6. Manage supplier relationships and procure high-quality ingredients and provisions

7. Maintain quality control throughout all stages of food preparation and service

8. Collaborate with management to develop promotional menus and special dining events

9. Monitor kitchen performance metrics and implement strategies to improve efficiency and productivity

10. Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working setting for the entire kitchen team

What we're looking for

1. Minimum 5+ years of professional kitchen experience, with at least 2-3 years in a Head Chef or senior chef leadership role

2. Formal culinary qualification or equivalent professional experience demonstrating advanced cooking techniques and food preparation knowledge

3. Proven expertise in menu planning, recipe development, and food costing

4. Strong knowledge of food safety, hygiene standards, and compliance with relevant regulations including Food Safety Supervisor certification or equivalent

5.



Excellent leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff

6. Outstanding organisational abilities with strong attention to detail

7. Exceptional communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with all departments

8. Creative culinary vision combined with practical problem-solving abilities

9. Proficiency in kitchen management systems and Point of Sale (POS) software is advantageous

10. Current First Aid and CPR certification is preferred

What we offer

At PJs in the City, we believe in supporting our team members to achieve their best. We offer a competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications. You will have opportunities for professional development and further culinary training to advance your skills and career. We foster a positive and collaborative kitchen culture where your creative contributions are valued and celebrated. Our team benefits from a supportive work environment, staff discounts on dining and beverages, and recognition of outstanding performance. We are committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance and offer flexibility where possible within the operational requirements of our service.

Apply now

If you are a talented and passionate Head Chef ready to lead our kitchen team and make your mark on Canberra's dining scene, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your CV, a cover letter outlining your culinary philosophy and experience, and any relevant certifications or qualifications to apply for this exciting opportunity.

📌 head chef (Canberra)
🏢 PJs in the City
📍 Canberra