Client Profile

This established inner-city Sydney pub has built a loyal following around approachable hospitality, a relaxed atmosphere and a food offering that goes beyond standard pub fare. Catering to a diverse mix of locals, professionals and younger diners, the venue combines strong trade with a genuine focus on creating an enjoyable environment for both guests and employees. With a recently renovated kitchen, supportive ownership and a willingness to invest in the food operation, there is an excellent platform for an ambitious chef to make their mark.

As Head Chef, you will take ownership of a busy, compact kitchen and lead a small team delivering elevated pub classics with personality and attention to detail. The venue is looking for a chef who understands that great pub food can remain familiar and accessible while still demonstrating technique, creativity and genuine care. You will have the opportunity to develop seasonal menus, introduce new ideas and build systems that support consistency, efficiency and commercial performance. This is a hands-on leadership position requiring someone equally comfortable cooking through a busy service and managing the operational responsibilities of the kitchen.

- Lead, develop and motivate a small kitchen brigade
- Create and evolve seasonal menus while maintaining popular pub favourites
- Manage rostering, labour, food costs, ordering and kitchen performance
- Establish consistent recipes, preparation processes and kitchen systems
- Maintain excellent standards across food quality, presentation, hygiene and food safety

Candidate Profile





This role will suit an experienced Head Chef or a strong Senior Sous Chef ready to take ownership of their first kitchen. You may have experience in quality pubs, restaurants or more refined dining environments and be looking for an prospect where you can apply strong culinary fundamentals in a more relaxed setting. Above all, you will be genuinely interested in food. You will care about the details on every plate and understand how thoughtful technique, preparation and flavour can distinguish a venue in a competitive market. You will also be a calm, respectful leader who can build standards without creating an unnecessarily high-pressure kitchen culture.
- Strong culinary foundations with demonstrated menu development experience
- Commercial understanding of food costs, labour management and rostering
- A hands-on leadership style with the ability to train and develop junior chefs
- Genuine enthusiasm for contemporary, elevated pub food and diverse culinary influences
- Professional, reliable and organised, with a collaborative approach to leadership

Offer

A salary of $100,000–$110,000 + super is available, with scope to discuss performance-based incentives. This is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of a food offering, work with supportive operators and build a reputation through a venue that values quality, creativity and an enjoyable workplace culture. To learn more about this role, submit your CV or contact Lee Thompson via [email protected] for a confidential discussion.

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📌 Head Chef, Elevated Pub Dining, Sydney Inner City
🏢 Hastings People
📍 Sydney