Cafe Chef – Full Time

Blacksheep Espresso
Rydalmere, NSW

Blacksheep Espresso is seeking an experienced full-time Chef to join our café kitchen team.

The role is suited to someone who can work efficiently in a compact, fast-paced kitchen, manage service independently when required, and maintain consistent food quality during busy periods.

Key Responsibilities

- Prepare and cook menu items to a consistent standard
- Manage daily food preparation and mise en place before and during service
- Work efficiently through busy service periods while maintaining quality and presentation
- Prepare and assemble café-style dishes, sandwiches, toasties and other made-to-order or grab-and-go items
- Maintain fast and consistent ticket times during peak periods
- Organise the kitchen so ingredients, preparation and equipment are ready for efficient service
- Monitor portion sizes, food costs and wastage
- Maintain appropriate preparation levels based on expected trade to minimise shortages and unnecessary waste
- Monitor stock levels and communicate ordering requirements before products run out
- Receive, rotate and store ingredients correctly
- Maintain cleanliness and organisation throughout service and during quieter periods
- Follow food handling, temperature control, hygiene and WHS procedures
- Work closely with front-of-house staff to manage order flow and communicate delays or stock issues
- Maintain consistency in recipes, portioning and presentation across different shifts
- Assist with improving kitchen procedures, preparation systems and service flow
- Contribute to menu development, seasonal items, specials and improvements to existing dishes
- Assist with the introduction and execution of new menu items as the business develops




- Support the training and supervision of junior kitchen staff where required
- Take responsibility for keeping the kitchen organised, stocked and prepared for upcoming services

Skills and Experience

Applicants should have:

- Relevant commercial cookery qualifications or equivalent practical experience
- Previous experience working as a Chef in a commercial kitchen
- Experience working in a busy café, restaurant or similar hospitality environment
- Ability to manage multiple orders simultaneously during high-volume periods
- Ability to work independently and make sensible decisions during service
- Solid organisation and time-management skills
- Valuable understanding of food preparation, cooking techniques and kitchen workflow
- Knowledge of food safety and hygiene requirements
- Strong attention to consistency, presentation and portion control
- Awareness of food cost, wastage and stock management
- Ability to adapt to menu changes and evolving business requirements
- Ability to work effectively in a small team and communicate clearly with front-of-house staff
- Reliable attendance and availability for a consistent full time roster

Experience in a high-volume café or restaurant kitchen will be highly regarded.

Employment Details

Position: Cafe Chef
Employment type: Full-time
Location: Rydalmere, NSW
Hours: Approximately 38 hours per week, including weekday and weekend shifts as required
Salary: $75,000–$85,000 per annum plus superannuation, depending on experience

Pay: $75,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Rydalmere NSW 2116: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

- Can you run a kitchen by yourself?

Experience:

- chef: 2 years (Required)

Language:

- English (Required)

Work Authorisation:

- Australia (Required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Cafe Chef (Rydalmere)
🏢 Blacksheep Espresso
📍 Rydalmere