STUZZi - A European inspired deli, café, and stuzzichini bar is preparing to open in Sydney's vibrant Inner West - and we're looking for a passionate Senior Cook or Senior Chef de Partie to help lead the kitchen from day one.

This is a rare opportunity for someone who loves Italian food, thrives in a hands on leadership role, and wants to be part of building something genuinely special from the ground up.

A Hospitality Role With Balance

We know great hospitality professionals are looking for more than just another busy kitchen.

That’s why this role offers:

Only 3 dinner services per week (Thursday-Saturday)

A streamlined, thoughtful menu focused on quality over complexity

A daytime café & gourmet deli environment with a strong neighbourhood feel

The prospect to own the kitchen and influence the food offering

Genuine work/life balance without compromising creativity or standards

The venue will trade:

7 days breakfast & lunch with dinner trade 3 nights (Thu-Sat)

Simplified Italian-inspired dinner service focused on shared plates, quality produce and seasonal ingredients

This is the perfect role for someone wanting fewer late nights, more autonomy, and the chance to grow with an exciting new concept.

The Role

Working closely with ownership, you’ll take a leading role in shaping kitchen operations, team culture and the customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

Menu planning in liaison with management.

Daily food production of breakfast/lunch/dinner menu

Ordering and managing food supply, food portion control, waste management, and stock procurement responsibilities (receipt and storage)

Ability to cost menu items appropriately and track production efficiency.

Ability to keep track of product mix, customer demand, and special promotions.

Ability to accurately monitor food supply and kitchen equipment par levels, as well as notify management of any additional stock required.

Ensuring that all food is cooked to perfection, served on time, and presented professionally. Train, develop and lead a passionate small kitchen team,



while fostering a positive culture where people, food safety and teamwork are paramount

Create weekly rosters to meet staffing and budgeting requirements

Monitor stock inventory including wastage, shrinkage, rotation activities and quality control

Conduct accurate stocktakes and ordering to ensure product availability and smooth service

Inspire customers through presentation and maintaining visually engaging deli displays

Ensure all work areas are clean, sanitised and service-ready at all times

Maintain equipment and workspaces in a hygienic and safe condition to avoid cross-contamination

Follow and uphold all food safety and sanitation procedures while continuously improving and simplifying operational processes

Support audit, compliance and food safety standards across all areas of the business

About You

You are an experienced, hands on, hospitality professional who enjoys leading from the front and takes pride in creating exceptional food experiences.

You will bring:

A passion for Italian food!

Experience working with a Rational Icombi Pro 10 oven

Gourmet smallgoods & cheese product knowledge

Strong leadership skills with experience developing and managing teams

A current Food Safety Supervisor Certificate

Proven ordering, stock control and cost management expertise

A strong understanding of gross profit calculations and kitchen financials

Experience working with Italian or European-style food and produce

A calm, organised and hands on approach to service and operations

Why Join Us?

This is more than just another kitchen job.

It’s an opportunity to:

Be part of an exciting new Inner West venue from the very beginning

Work with a simplified, produce-driven menu that values quality over complexity

Enjoy a healthier hospitality lifestyle with limited night trade

Have genuine ownership, input and influence within the kitchen

Build a strong local following and create a venue people love returning to

If you’re passionate about Italian food, hospitality and creating something special within a balanced and supportive environment, we’d love to hear from you.

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📌 Head Chef (New South Wales)
🏢 Stuzzi
📍 New South Wales