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, strong 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 recent 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

- discounted meals
- employee recognition programs
- golf membership discounts
- employee assistance support
- 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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📌 Executive Chef (Dapto)
🏢 Dapto Leagues Club
📍 Dapto