Dapto Leagues Club | Hospitality Leadership | Illawarra

Lead the Future of Food at Dapto Leagues Club

This is a career-defining opportunity for an exceptional culinary leader who wants to do more than run kitchens.

We're seeking a commercially astute, people-focused Executive Chef who can combine culinary excellence with strategic leadership, building high-performing teams, driving strong commercial outcomes and helping shape the future of food at one of the Illawarra's most recognised hospitality venues.

This is an opportunity to influence not only what members and guests enjoy today, but what food experiences look like at Dapto Leagues Club for years to come.

Welcome to Dapto Leagues Club

Since 1955, Dapto Leagues Club has been creating memorable experiences for members, guests and the wider community. Today, we are one of the Illawarra's leading hospitality destinations, renowned for quality experiences, robust community connections and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Our hospitality offering includes:

The Mill – our popular and well-established dining destination

The Grange – one of the region's premier wedding and events venues

Additional food and beverage developments planned as part of our long-term growth strategy

We are not standing still.

The coming years will see continued investment, innovation and growth across our food and beverage operations, creating a rare opportunity for the right leader to help shape what comes next.

Just as importantly, we're an organisation built on our values of Community, Action, Commitment and Cheer.

We invest in our people.

We back great ideas.

We believe strong leadership and culture create exceptional results.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will take ownership of the Club's food direction and overall culinary performance.

This role exists because we believe food is one of the most important drivers of member and guest experience.

You will be entrusted to:

Lead food operations across The Mill and The Grange





Build capability and future leadership within the kitchen team

Drive commercial performance across food margin, labour productivity, procurement and kitchen performance

Strengthen food quality, consistency and culinary innovation

Lead menu development across multiple hospitality offerings

Play a leading role in developing the menu and food concept for our new café opening in 2027

Contribute to future food and beverage developments as part of the Club's growth strategy

Partner closely with the Executive Leadership Team to help shape the future of food at DLC

This role is not simply about running kitchens.

It's about leading people, influencing strategy, delivering commercial outcomes and creating hospitality experiences that members and guests genuinely remember.

What Success Looks Like

You are trusted to:

Build a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement

Develop emerging leaders and strengthen succession within the kitchen team

Deliver exceptional food experiences across every venue and event

Protect and enhance the Club's reputation for quality

Drive sustainable commercial performance and profitability

Reduce waste and improve operational efficiency

Balance innovation with consistency

Play a key role in delivering the next generation of food experiences at Dapto Leagues Club

Performance in this role is not measured by food alone.

It is measured by leadership, culture, quality, commercial performance and long-term impact.

What You'll Own

Overall culinary leadership across the Club

Menu development, food innovation and quality standards

Food margin, labour productivity and commercial kitchen performance

Procurement, supplier relationships and inventory management





Leadership development and team capability

Kitchen culture, accountability and engagement

Food safety, WHS and operational compliance

Strategic food and beverage projects

You will operate confidently at both strategic and operational levels, setting direction, analysing performance, developing people and delivering results.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a hospitality leader who combines commercial thinking with culinary excellence and strong people leadership.

You may already be an established Executive Chef or an exceptional Head Chef ready for a broader leadership opportunity.

Either way, you'll bring:

Experience leading high-volume hospitality operations

Strong leadership, coaching and team development capability

Proven success managing food and labour costs

Experience driving menu development and innovation

Commercial acumen and business awareness

Strong supplier and stakeholder management skills

A passion for quality, customer experience and developing others

Food Safety Certification

You understand that great kitchens are built through leadership, standards, accountability and care.

Why Join Dapto Leagues Club?

Lead With Impact

Influence the culture, performance and future direction of food across a growing hospitality operation.

Shape What's Next

Play a key role in the delivery of a new café, future food and beverage developments and the Club's long-term food strategy.

Join a Strong Leadership Team

Work alongside a supportive Executive Leadership Team committed to innovation, growth and continuous improvement.

Community Focused

Be part of an organisation with proud community roots and an exciting future.

Employee Benefits

- Enjoy discounted meals, employee recognition programs, golf membership discounts, employee assistance support and ongoing development opportunities.

Ready to Lead the Future of Food?

If you're looking for a role where your leadership, judgement and impact will truly matter, we'd love to hear from you.

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