Chef de Partie, Cupitt's Estate, Ulladulla NSW

Cupitt's Estate is a family-owned winery, restaurant, villa accommodation and events destination on a working farm near Ulladulla, looking out over the vineyard to the Budawang Ranges. We're looking for a Chef de Partie to join Executive Chef Ryan Smith and our kitchen team.

About the kitchen

Our kitchen cooks for the Dining Room, the more relaxed Wine Garden, weddings, events and special dining experiences, all on a working winery and farm. No two weeks look quite the same, which means plenty to learn.

Executive Chef Ryan started his apprenticeship in the Sutherland Shire, worked in hatted Sydney restaurants and cooked at The Square in London before becoming Senior Sous Chef with Bill Granger's group. He's building a kitchen where chefs learn the fundamentals properly, from knife skills and section discipline to ingredients and new techniques.

You won't just be handed a menu to cook week after week. Our chefs bring ideas to the table and help shape dishes, working with seasonal and estate-grown produce. Being part of a winery also means you'll learn about wine from the people who make it.

What you'll do

- Run your own section through prep and service, with quality and consistency every time
- Prepare, cook and present dishes to our recipes and standards
- Lead your section during service and stay organised as things change
- Coach and support commis chefs, apprentices, cooks and casual kitchen staff
- Contribute ideas to menu development, making the most of seasonal and estate-grown produce
- Keep an eye on portion control, stock levels and waste to help hit food cost targets
- Help with ordering, receiving, storage and stocktakes
- Keep your section, equipment and storage areas clean, safe and well organised




- Communicate clearly with the kitchen and front of house team during service and handovers
- Work across the Dining Room, Wine Garden, weddings and events as needed

What you'll bring

- Experience as a Chef de Partie, or a strong Demi Chef ready to step up
- Certificate III in Commercial Cookery, or equivalent experience
- Solid cooking skills across all sections
- The ability to stay calm and organised in a busy kitchen
- A solid track record with food safety and hygiene
- A positive, team-first attitude. You see what needs doing and get on with it.
- Curiosity and a willingness to learn and try new ideas
- Availability for weekends, public holidays and some evenings
- Full working rights in Australia

What we offer

- A kitchen led by an Executive Chef with Sydney and London experience, who's invested in teaching
- Real input into dishes and menus
- Variety across restaurant, casual dining, weddings and events
- Staff meals on shift
- 35% off food and drinks at the estate when you're off duty
- 35% off Cupitt's wine and beer at the cellar door
- A Cupitt's voucher on every work anniversary
- Wine education and staff tastings
- A free, confidential Employee Assistance Program
- Team social and wellbeing events
- A family business where people stay. Two of our team have just celebrated 10 years with us.
- Life on the South Coast, with beaches,



national parks and coastal towns on your doorstep

Our values

We look for people who share our values: Create Joy, Express Gratitude, Grow and Evolve, Adapt with Optimism and Drive Solutions.

How to apply

Send your CV and a few lines about yourself and what you're looking for to Amy Sibly, People and Culture Manager, at [email protected]. You can also apply through LinkedIn. Applications close [date].

Our hiring process

- We review every application and reply to everyone, whether or not you're shortlisted.
- Shortlisted applicants have a short phone chat with Amy.
- You'll meet Ryan in person at the estate.
- You'll do a paid trial shift in the kitchen.
- We check two references, then make an offer.

We aim to complete the process within [two to three] weeks of applications closing.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. If you need any adjustments to take part in the process, just let Amy know.

Your privacy

We collect your application details only to assess you for this role and roles like it at Cupitt's Estate. Your information is seen only by the people involved in hiring, stored securely, and never shared outside the business without your consent, except to contact the referees you nominate. If you're not successful, we'll keep your application on file for 6 months for future roles unless you ask us not to, and then securely delete it.

You can ask to see, correct or delete your information at any time by emailing [email protected].

- Want to know more about the chef you'd be working with? Read Ryan's interview with Think Regional: https://thinkregional.com.au/career-news/nsw/south-coast/south-coast-chef/

📌 Chef De Partie (Ulladulla)
🏢 Cupitt's Estate
📍 Ulladulla